Former Super Eagles’ captain, John Mikel Obi has refuted speculation in some quarter that he has not been able to get another club only because he has been snubbing several offers that came his way, as he says he does not reject any bid put on the table for him, megasportsarena.com reports.
Mikel spoke out on the backdrop of his long silence over a much-awaited announcement of his move to either Botafogo or Nacional of Brazil, with both offers haven been on the cards for him since late March, but nothing concrete has come forth, thereby leaving observers to concluded that the Africa Cup of Nations 2013 gold medalist and 2019 bronze medalist is being fussy.
However, the former Plateau United of Jos, Lyn Oslo of Norway, Chelsea and Middlesbrough of England as well as ex-Tianjin Teda of China and Trabzonspor of Turkey star stressed that he is ready to accept any suitable offer that comes his way, even if it is from a club in Egypt or any other African country.
The 33-year-old midfield enforcer, who is still a free agent after agreeing to terminate his two-year contract with Trabzonspor by mutual agreement in March, declared emphatically that he is open to the possibility of playing at an African club any time in future.
There is, however, pervading speculation that the main thought for Mikel is getting another deal in England, where he first starred for Chelsea in over 10 seasons in the English Premier League, with 374 appearances and eight major domestic honours to his name, as well as two European trophies – UEFA Europa League and UEFA Champions League.
After a string with Teda in the Chinese Super League, he returned to England on a short-term deal at Middlesbrough in the lower division English Championship, only for him to surprisingly make a move to Turkey last summer.
His stay in Trabzon, though, ended in turmoil, as he quit The Black Sea Storm after expressing his fears over the decision by officials at the Turkish Super Lig to keep action going at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, and feelers were rife that he wanted another club deal in England.
That speculation has gained more ground, following the lack of any confirmation of a deal with either of the two Brazilian sides that have expressed strong interest in his signature, and, though Mikel admitted he is yet to arrive at a decision since the links emerged, the two-time EPL winner and 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist insists it is not because he is snubbing all suitors.
Mikel told Egyptian media outfit, OnTime Sports: “I am a professional footballer and everything is possible. I never ruled anything out. My goal is to continue playing football, and I hope I will have the opportunity, I do not reject any offers made to me, but rather study them well until I make the right decision.”
