Former Super Eagles team captain, John Mikel has confirmed negotiation with Brazilian club Botafogo. Recall that Futballnews published a post that there were speculations that the Brazilian side is eyeing the former Chelsea midfielder after his exit from his Turkish club Trabzonspor earlier in March.
Mikel explained that although he is still contemplating on the negotiation with Botafogo but it was sure the Brazilian club has contacted him for talks. The Nigerian player became a free agent after he ended his contract with Trabzonspor in March due to the negligence of the Turkish club in handling the coronavirus outbreak.
The 32-year-old midfielder had advocated for the suspension of football activities in Turkey due to the outbreak of the novel Covid-19 that is rampaging the entire world. However, the Super Lig clubs showed little or no concern about the virus and they seemed to be more particular about winning cup and trophy.
Reasonably, the Nigerian man took to his Instagram handle to call out the club and league for not showing concern and taking preventive measures to ensure the pandemic is controlled in the country.
Unfortunately, his advocacy didn’t interest Trabzonspor bosses, Mikel disclosed that he was called to the office of the club’s president who told him to take down the post. The 2012 Champions League winner with Chelsea stated that he shared his opinion not as a footballer but as a father, son, and human who is more concerned about the things happening around.
Expectedly, his contract with the club was terminated on mutual consent. Since then, the Nigerian player became a free agent as he joined his family in the United Kingdom.
It was not long before speculation flew around the media space that Botafogo is in talks with the former Chelsea who traded his career in the Chinese League. John Mikel himself has now confirmed the speculation to be true while speaking with ESPN.
“Yes there has been interest, and yes there have been negotiations but I don’t know yet. I am still thinking about it. Not sure yet,”
