John obi Mikel has decided to end his decade-long Chelsea career after reportedly agreeing a move to Arabian Gulf League champions Al Ain.

Mikel moved to Chelsea back in 2007 and he was seen as the ideal replacement for Claude Makelele, who was about to retire during that period. Even though he was used to being an attacking midfielder throughout his career, Mikel adapted to this role and performed exceedingly well during his initial years. In recent times, though, the disadvantages of the Nigerian midfielder have been coming to light and this has seen him get less first-team opportunities.

It is becoming quite clear that Mikel will no longer be the first choice defensive midfielder at Chelsea. Nemanja Matic has grabbed this position with both hands. Mikel has been reduced to making a few appearances here and there. It appears that he is ready to bow out of top level football for the time being. A move to the Middle East would have been discussed at a later stage in his career, but the 28-year-old has surprised everyone by agreeing terms withAl Ain at the peak of his career. He still has just one year left on his contract and Chelsea would see this as an ideal time to sell him.

“Mikel was in Dubai to discuss contract terms with Al Ain this past week and has returned to England to discuss the offer with Chelsea. Mikel has agreed personal terms with Al Ain and it is now left for Chelsea and the club to agree on a transfer fee. He has returned to England to communicate all this to Chelsea. We just have to wait and see what Chelsea say in this regard,” said the player’s agent in a recent interview. Mikel has been at Chelsea for nine years and made 224 appearances in the league.