>
Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel has reportedly signed a four-year deal with the La Liga club, Valencia. He chooses to stay in Europe depite being offered a big oney move to China by Shanghai SIPG.
Since being frozen out all season by chelsea manager, Antonio Conte, Marseille, AC Milan ans Inter Milan have been clubs reportedly seeking to have the midfielder’s services.
The reason he has opted to move to Spain is unknown. There won’t be a transfer fee involved as Mikel only has six months left on his contract and the Blues would prefer to release him to get him off the wage bill.
Mikel Obi leaves Stamford Bridge after 11 seasons. During that time he won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, the Europa League and the Champions League once. It’s a seriously impressive haul.
With Chelsea six points clear at the top of the Premier League and on a 13-match, record-equalling winning sequence, opportunities for his return to the matchday squad appear slim.
Valencia’s sporting director, Jesus Garcia Pitarch, confirmed the club’s interest in Mikel. “In the case of Obi Mikel, I met with him in London on Christmas Day or the day before,” Pitarch said in quotes reported by Super Deporte. “I asked permission with Chelsea to meet with him and gave him this possibility. “He told me that he would think about it and now it is a situation to assess.”
Mikel has also held “advanced talks” with Marseille, according to Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr.