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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.

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.

After making just 12 league appearances so far this campaign, it looks like John obi Mikel is coming to the end of his glittering Chelsea career.

The Nigerian international has won several major trophies including the Champions League during his long spell with the blues. He had joined Chelsea as a teenager back in 2007. Now after 10 years, Mikel is believed to be on the verge of an exit after falling down the pecking order. Nemanja Matic, who was brought to the club in a £ 20 million deal from Benfica, has been a regular first-team player.

After making just 12 league appearances so far this campaign, it looks like John obi Mikel is coming to the end of his glittering Chelsea career.

The Nigerian international has won several major trophies including the Champions League during his long spell with the blues. He had joined Chelsea as a teenager back in 2007. Now after 10 years, Mikel is believed to be on the verge of an exit after falling down the pecking order. Nemanja Matic, who was brought to the club in a £ 20 million deal from Benfica, has been a regular first-team player.

This has seen Mikel make only a few appearances from the starting spot. He has scored one goal this season. At 28 years of age, he is fast approaching the end of the prime. Chelsea may want to cash in on the midfielder as soon as possible. Mikel may be offered a route into another top club after Real Madrid have emerged as the major suitors for his signature. The Spanish club will be losing a defensive midfielder in the form of Sami Khedira on a free transfer in the summer. In order to replace him, they have reportedly identified Mikel as the alternative. This is largely because the 28-year-old will be available for a considerably lower transfer fee than some of the other targets.

Mikel still has two years left on his current contract and it is highly unlikely that he will be offered a new deal with him struggling to make first-team opportunities. They lost completed full 90 minutes of football back in January in the 1-1 draw against Liverpool. This match was in the League Cup semi-final and Chelsea went on to win the trophy by beating Tottenham in the final. In comparison, Matic is close to appearing in 40 matches across all competitions.

John obi Mikel is one of longest serving Chelsea players having been at the club since 2007. Even though the arrival of Nemanja Matic for £ 26 million last January threatened to send him out of the club, he has managed to soldier on.
Mikel has not been a first-team regular for Chelsea this season, but he has been useful as a backup player to Matic. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho recently confirmed that the midfielder will not be available for up to a month after undergoing an ankle surgery. He will miss the crucial game against Paris St Germain at Stamford Bridge.

John obi Mikel is one of longest serving Chelsea players having been at the club since 2007. Even though the arrival of Nemanja Matic for £ 26 million last January threatened to send him out of the club, he has managed to soldier on.
Mikel has not been a first-team regular for Chelsea this season, but he has been useful as a backup player to Matic. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho recently confirmed that the midfielder will not be available for up to a month after undergoing an ankle surgery. He will miss the crucial game against Paris St Germain at Stamford Bridge.

The blues have a great opportunity to reach the quarter-finals of the competition after managing to secure a 1-1 away draw in the first leg. The away goal gives Chelsea a significant advantage, which is likely to force Mourinho into adopting defensive tactics at the Bridge. The lack ofMikel could force the Chelsea boss into utilising Ramires or Cesc Fabregas, both of whom are not specialist defensive midfielders, in this position as a solution. This has not prevented Mikel from wishing the Chelsea supporters on the eve of the club’s 110th birthday. Founded in 1905, Chelsea is one of oldest clubs in England.

“I have always appreciated the Chelsea fans, they’ve been amazing. They’re always there to support the team week in, week out, which just shows how brilliant they are.It’s been an amazing journey. I’ve enjoyed every bit of it. I’ve worked with some great people, great players from when I came to the ones that are here now. They’ve all been brilliant. Happy 110th birthday to Chelsea FC and all Chelsea fans,” said Mikel. The 27-year-old has featured in only 15 matches, and even scoring a goal, in all competitions with most of them as late substitutes.

Chelsea star Eden Hazard has been voted as one of the favourites to take over from Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the best player in the world by former Belgium defender Eric Gerets.

Hazard is easily regarded as the best player for Belgium right now. The 23-year-old moved to Chelsea in a £ 35 million deal and has instantly been effective. A number of clubs were looking to sign him, but the youngster chose Chelsea. Since moving to West London, he has progressed in a number of ways. Last season was one of his best after scoring 17 goals in 49 matches.

Chelsea star Eden Hazard has been voted as one of the favourites to take over from Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the best player in the world by former Belgium defender Eric Gerets.

Hazard is easily regarded as the best player for Belgium right now. The 23-year-old moved to Chelsea in a £ 35 million deal and has instantly been effective. A number of clubs were looking to sign him, but the youngster chose Chelsea. Since moving to West London, he has progressed in a number of ways. Last season was one of his best after scoring 17 goals in 49 matches.

Even though he has not been scoring in the same pace this campaign and has only five goals in 17 matches so far, his overall contribution has been better because he has been defending as well. Gerets says that the only 23-year-old has the potential to reach the level of Messi and Ronaldo. These two players are now regarded as the best in the world, but it appears that Hazard has a long way to go before he can match them. Ronaldo and Messi have been scoring more than a goal per game in the last couple of years. They have also shared the last five FIFA Ballon d’Or awards.

“Even Messi needed a lot of time before he was the saviour of the national team. It didn’t happen for several years. You have to give Hazard more time. It will come. He has too much talent.The future will show if he’s able to get on the same level as they [Messi and Ronaldo] are.Even if he never makes it to the same level, just below them is still a world (class) player. With the talent Belgium has at the moment it would be a disappointment if by the next European Championship they don’t get to the semi-finals,” said the former defender.

John obi Mikel has come under criticism recently after his poor performances for Chelsea and Nigeria. However, Nigerian coach Stephen Keshi says that the 27-year-old still continues to have tremendous quality.

Nigeria were expected to be one of the African nations to do well at the World Cup 2014 after having won the Africa Cup of Nations just a year ago. However, losses against France and poor performances in the other group matches meant that they were unable to get past the last 16 round. Mikel has been very ineffective in the qualification matches for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

John obi Mikel has come under criticism recently after his poor performances for Chelsea and Nigeria. However, Nigerian coach Stephen Keshi says that the 27-year-old still continues to have tremendous quality.

Nigeria were expected to be one of the African nations to do well at the World Cup 2014 after having won the Africa Cup of Nations just a year ago. However, losses against France and poor performances in the other group matches meant that they were unable to get past the last 16 round. Mikel has been very ineffective in the qualification matches for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

This has led to calls that he should be dropped from the Nigerian team just as it has been done for Chelsea in recent months. After the arrival of Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas in the space of six months, Jose Mourinho has decided to completely do away with Mikel in the centre of Chelsea’s midfield. The 27-year-old is yet to start a league match this season and all of his six appearances have come as a substitute. He has managed only just over 100 minutes of league action this season. Even though there have been no transfer rumours about an impending departure from Chelsea, it would not be surprising if he leaves the West London outfit in January or in the summer.

“Mikel brings a lot of professionalism to the team. He’s a fighter. He hates losing with a passion.In training sessions, it’s the same – always professional and always serious minded.I hate to say this but it seems some Nigerians don’t like thinking about the past because the Mikel that is criticised so much today is the same Mikel that was praised by almost all Nigerians during the 2013 Afcon in South Africa.Has he suddenly become a bad footballer?” said Keshi.

Chelsea midfielder John obi Mikel has expressed his delight at seeing Didier Drogba back at Chelsea once again. The Ivory Coast international left the blues in 2012 after eight years at the club. During this period, he firmly established himself as one of the best players in the history of Chelsea by scoring more than 150 league goals. He remains as one of the top scorers of all time. Drogba was recently brought back to the club by manager Jose Mourinho on a one-year contract in order to soften the loss of Demba Ba and Samuel Eto’o.

Chelsea midfielder John obi Mikel has expressed his delight at seeing Didier Drogba back at Chelsea once again. The Ivory Coast international left the blues in 2012 after eight years at the club. During this period, he firmly established himself as one of the best players in the history of Chelsea by scoring more than 150 league goals. He remains as one of the top scorers of all time. Drogba was recently brought back to the club by manager Jose Mourinho on a one-year contract in order to soften the loss of Demba Ba and Samuel Eto’o.

Drogba is likely to be the third choice striker in the team behind Fernando Torres and Diego Costa, but the 36-year-old will be providing a valuable outlet to the team towards the final minutes of a match. He has the experience and the physicality to be able to play top-level football, while Mikel has also praised the attitude that he will bring to the dressing room. Drogba was widely believed to be one of the motivators, along with Frank Lampard and John Terry, during the troubled times at Chelsea whenever they parted company with a manager.

After having lost the likes of Frank Lampard and David Luiz were great characters in the dressing room, Mikel believes that the return of Drogba will be crucial for team morale.

“I heard the rumours but I thought there was no way it was going to happen. I thought when he’s gone, he’s gone. But then I thought about it a bit more and I realised it could happen because of the connection that the gaffer and Didier have always had. I’m glad to have him back. It’s like his home. He’s fitting in perfectly well again. It’s like he never went away. It’s good for the team because he’s a big player and a big personality,” said Mikel.

The manager of the Nigeria national football team, Stephen Keshi, has left his post after the defeat of the Super Eagles in the pre quarter final round of the FIFA World Cup 2014.

Nigeria suffered a 0-2 defeat against France a couple of days back to get knocked out of the biggest international event.

Keshi didn’t do a bad job as coach for Nigeria in the tournament and was not in danger of being sacked, but, despite that, he opted to quit taking the full responsibility of the defeat against France on his shoulders.

However, there have been rumours that the main reason behind Keshi’s resignation is his willingness to take over as South Africa manager.

This is the second time that Keshi has resigned as the Super Eagles boss. He had done that last year as well when Nigeria had achieved the Africa Cup glory, but, he eventually had agreed to carry on after being convinced by the association.

The manager of the Nigeria national football team, Stephen Keshi, has left his post after the defeat of the Super Eagles in the pre quarter final round of the FIFA World Cup 2014.

Nigeria suffered a 0-2 defeat against France a couple of days back to get knocked out of the biggest international event.

Keshi didn’t do a bad job as coach for Nigeria in the tournament and was not in danger of being sacked, but, despite that, he opted to quit taking the full responsibility of the defeat against France on his shoulders.

However, there have been rumours that the main reason behind Keshi’s resignation is his willingness to take over as South Africa manager.

This is the second time that Keshi has resigned as the Super Eagles boss. He had done that last year as well when Nigeria had achieved the Africa Cup glory, but, he eventually had agreed to carry on after being convinced by the association.

Meanwhile, there is more bad news for the Nigerian fans. The star defender of the team, Joseph Yobo, who had unfortunately put the ball into his own net in the 90th minute of that game against France, has decided to quit international football.

According to him, he has achieved as much in his international career that he can be proud of it.

In Yobo’s words, “I have no regrets at all. I did as much as I could for my country and I can sit back and cherish those memories with pride. This is the time for me to make way for some of the youngsters who can make a lot of difference for Nigeria at the highest level in the coming years.”
Yobo played 100 games for the senior team of Nigeria.

Chelsea star John obi Mikel has stated that he is hoping Nigeria can make a positive impact at the World Cup 2014. The 27-year-old goes into the competition is one of the players to watch from the African perspective. He is at the prime of his career and after having recently helped Nigeria when the African cup of nations, he’ll be hoping to do the same at the international stage as well. However, Mikel is someone who does not have experience of playing in previous world cups and this will be his first.

Chelsea star John obi Mikel has stated that he is hoping Nigeria can make a positive impact at the World Cup 2014. The 27-year-old goes into the competition is one of the players to watch from the African perspective. He is at the prime of his career and after having recently helped Nigeria when the African cup of nations, he’ll be hoping to do the same at the international stage as well. However, Mikel is someone who does not have experience of playing in previous world cups and this will be his first.

Nigeria are in a group were qualification to the knockout stages is certainly not beyond them. Argentina will definitely be the favourites to get through first, but the likes of Iran, Bosnia, and Nigeria all have enough opportunities to fight for the final qualification spot. Since Nigeria finish the group stages against Argentina, they would ideally like to get maximum points against Iran and Bosnia. Mikel place in a different position at international level compared to where he does play for Chelsea.
He is much further forward in the pitch and will be looking to use his attacking instincts to good effect. This Nigerian team is considered to have a lot of potential with several players at the peak of their careers.

“This is my first World Cup. I want to make sure we achieve something coming here. We don’t just want to come and make up the numbers, we want to do well. I have to make sure I lead by example. We are all driving in the same direction. We all know what we want and hopefully we will have a good tournament,” said the Chelsea midfielder. John obi Mikel has been heavily linked with a move to Spain or Italy after dropping down the pecking order at Chelsea.

Chelsea’s season has been one to forget after not lifting any major silverware as they were eliminated from the Champions League as well as coming out short in their Premier League journey.

Eden Hazard played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s season as the Belgium midfielder turned out to be the top goal-scorer for the club in this campaign and he expressed his disappointment towards everything that Chelsea failed on securing.

“This season was an ‘almost’ season. Almost in the Champions League final, almost champions in the Premier League. I hope next season it will better and we can go to the next level’’.

“In the English Premier League you play Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United every week and it’s very good, but I came here for trophies. This season was good for me, but not collectively because we didn’t win anything, and last season we won the Europa League.” Hazard said.

Chelsea’s season has been one to forget after not lifting any major silverware as they were eliminated from the Champions League as well as coming out short in their Premier League journey.

Eden Hazard played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s season as the Belgium midfielder turned out to be the top goal-scorer for the club in this campaign and he expressed his disappointment towards everything that Chelsea failed on securing.

“This season was an ‘almost’ season. Almost in the Champions League final, almost champions in the Premier League. I hope next season it will better and we can go to the next level’’.

“In the English Premier League you play Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United every week and it’s very good, but I came here for trophies. This season was good for me, but not collectively because we didn’t win anything, and last season we won the Europa League.” Hazard said.

Jose Mourinho has a busy schedule ahead of him as the Portuguese coach has to prepare and improve Chelsea for the upcoming season with new players on the horizon as well as some veteran figures in the squad expected to leave.

Chelsea is ready to offer Romelu Lukaku a new contract in addition to giving the 21 years old Belgium forward the opportunity to continue showcasing his abilities and skills outside of the club where he has more chances of appearing into the main squad of the team.

Lukaku enjoyed a fairly impressive season during his loan time with Everton and he is expected to remain another year with the team of Roberto Martinez as they are interested on extending his loan deal for another year.