Mikel Obi Reflects on Successful Chelsea Career: ‘I Will Never Trade It for Anything’

Former Nigeria national team captain John Mikel Obi has fondly recalled his 11-year tenure at Premier League giants Chelsea, describing it as an “amazing career” and a period he would never trade for anything.

Mikel, who spent over a decade at Stamford Bridge, was instrumental in the club’s success, winning an impressive array of titles, including two Premier League championships, four FA Cups, one UEFA Champions League, and one UEFA Europa League trophy.

Prior to joining Chelsea in 2006, the former midfielder had been embroiled in a lengthy transfer saga, which had kept him inactive for around a year. Mikel described the relief he felt when the situation was finally resolved and he was able to join the club he had always wanted to play for.

“It was a massive relief. Obviously, it was going on for a year almost, I couldn’t play for any club because of the whole saga,” Mikel told the obionepodcast. “But after that was settled, it was a massive relief for me and I joined the club that I really wanted to play for, which was Chelsea. And I just couldn’t wait to be unveiled as a Chelsea player, because it was taking such a long time to get settled.”

Reflecting on his tenure at Chelsea, Mikel expressed immense gratitude and pride, stating that he had “won everything to be to be won” and that his “memory here is absolutely fantastic.”

“I will never, never trade it for anything,” the former midfielder declared, emphasizing the deep value he places on his successful and memorable career at the Premier League powerhouse.