'What a player' - How the football world eulogised Mikel Obi post retirement

Many football fanatics the world over took to social media to eulogise former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi after he announced his retirement from professional football on Tuesday 27 September.

The 35-year-old finally hung his boots from the beautiful game after an illustrious 20-year career.

In a statement shared via his social media, Obi said:

“There is a saying that “all good things must come to an end”, and for my professional football career, that day is today,”

“I look back at the past 20 years of my career, and I must say that I am very satisfied with all that I was able to achieve and more importantly the human it has helped shape.

“All of this would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, managers, clubs, coaches, teammates and most importantly my ever-loyal fans. You supported me through my highs and lows, even on days that I did not live up to your expectations. I say a big thank you.

“I will also like to encourage everyone who I may have inspired one way or the other in the course of my career to never give up on their dreams, for every time you think about quitting, remind yourself why you started.

“This is not goodbye, it’s the start of another journey, another chapter of my life. I look forward to what the future holds and I hope you will walk with me. Thank you.”

Many of his fans, renowned journalists, former teammates, and clubs took to social media to celebrate the former Super Eagles skipper.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) via its official Twitter handle wrote, “Thank you for the memories and goodluck @mikel_john_obi #MikelTheBest”

Chelsea Football Club wrote, “Enjoy your retirement, @Mikel_John_Obi!Thanks for the memories. ????”

Highly regarded transfer market expert, Fabrizio Romano wrote,“Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has announced his retirement today. ???????????????????? #CFC“

Confederation of African Football (CAF) wrote, “A glory-studded career ????????
2013 #TotalEnergiesAFCON champion and Nigeria’s iconic midfielder @Mikel_John_Obi announces his retirement ❤️ Best of luck ????”

The UEFA Champions League official Twitter handle puts it simply, “Happy retirement, John Obi Mikel! ????”

Super Eagles winger Moses Simon added,“You were exceptional on the pitch and Inspirational off the pitch.Happy retirement Skippo. … @mikel_john_obi????????”

Former Chelsea captain John Terry said, “@mikel_john_obiWhat a player, What a man.LEGEND ????Enjoy retirement ????@ChelseaFC”

Mikel Obi won 2 Premier League titles, 1 Champions League title, 3 FA Cups, 1 Europa League title, and 1 League Cup with Chelsea FC in 11 years.

He was an integral member of the Super Eagles team that won the 2013 Nations Cup in South Africa.

Obi won 91 caps for Nigeria scoring 6 goals in the Super Eagles shirt.



WDN/NBA