He didn't want me to represent Nigeria at the Olympics — Mikel Obi opens up on strained relationship with Antonio Conte

Former Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi has lifted the lid on his bumpy relationship with former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte during his spell at the club.

The 35-year-old who retired from professional football last year has disclosed that the Italian manager was the most difficult coach he worked under during his stint with the Blues.

Reflecting on his time at Stamford Bridge where he worked under 11 managers, the 2013 Nations Cup winner said, “As soon as he (Antonio Conte) came I knew that was it, that was the last stage of my career, he said.

Highlighting what caused the friction in his relationship with the current Spurs manager, the ex-Super Eagles midfielder said, “I wanted to go to the U-23 Olympic Games for my country Nigeria and he was like you know what? you're not going anywhere. So it was between me and Victor Moses and he said if you guys go, you're not going to be in the team so Moses stayed and I left”

Mikel Obi made 249 appearances for The Blues winning all major laurels with the club — the UEFA Champions League, EPL, Europa League, FA Cup and the League Cup.

WDN