Former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has revealed that legendary Sir Alex Ferguson has forgiven him after the turbulent transfer saga he was involved in.
In 2005, Mikel was a rising star at Norwegian team Lyn Oslo and stood out as one of the top young talents in the world during the 2005 Under-20 FIFA World Cup, attracting attention from major Premier League clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea.
The transfer to Old Trafford seemed set in stone, with Mikel even pictured in a United shirt and a press conference held.
However, Chelsea intervened and the move to Manchester United fell through.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Ferguson was set to travel to Norway for discussions but had to cancel it when Mikel disappeared from training and was rumored to be in talks with Chelsea.
Eventually, the Nigerian veteran midfielder signed with Chelsea and enjoyed 11 successful, trophy-filled years at Stamford Bridge.
Years after, Mikel Obi claimed that the prospect of joining Manchester United was not his will as he felt pressured into joining The Red Devils, hence, he had to switch to Chelsea since the option was available for him then.
He stated, “I signed a contract with Manchester United not of my own free will.”
“I was under immense pressure and denied the opportunity to seek advice from my agent and trusted individuals.”
“I did something I did not want to do due to the relentless pressure from Mr. Morgan (Andersen, Lyn’s sporting director) and a United representative. I felt pushed and unsupported, ultimately making a decision I regret under duress.”
Also, John Obi-Mikel revealed on his podcast that during Chelsea’s match against Manchester United, he was fearful of encountering Ferguson on the touchline.
When they finally came face to face during his Chelsea and Manchester United matches, the retired Scottish manager had a menacing expression towards him.
Nearly two decades later, the retired footballer reunited with Ferguson on the evening of the UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley, on Saturday, June 1, 2024, where they enjoyed each other’s company.
Mikel posted a photo with the renowned Manchester United legendary manager Ferguson on Instagram, along with the caption, “He has forgiven me.”
Mikel Obi’s Stats and Achievement At Chelsea
John Obi Mikel had a successful career at Chelsea where he played for 11 years from 2006 to 2017.
During his time at Stamford Bridge, Mikel made 372 appearances for the Blues scoring 6 goals.
He played a pivotal role in winning two Premier League titles in the 2009/10 and 2014/15 seasons.
Additionally, Mikel secured three FA Cup victories in 2007, 2009, and 2012, and crucially contributed to the UEFA Champions League triumph in the 2011/12 season.
Renowned for his defensive skills and ability to disrupt opposition attacks, Mikel received several awards, including the Chelsea Young Player of the Year in 2007.
He also showcased his talent on the international stage, earning over 80 caps for Nigeria’s national team.
