Nigerian midfielder John Mikel Obi opted to join Kuwait Sports Club rather than stay in the English Championship with Stoke City.

John Mikel Obi was a free agent when he joined the Potters last summer and he proved to be a good signing for the club. He was a regular in the Stoke City starting XI last season as the club failed to make enough push to secure a place in the playoffs. As a matter of fact, John Mikel Obi had the second most minutes amongst Stoke City players last season behind Harry Southar.

Retired Super Eagles star John Mikel Obi was eligible to continue his football career at Stoke City after a new one-year deal was triggered but the player decided to move to the Asian nation of Kuwait. His decision to leave the Potters and join Kuwait Sports Club was revealed last month.

On the exit, Stoke City boss Michael O'Neill had nice words to say about John Mikel Obi whom he praised for his influence on and off the pitch. The ex-Northern Ireland national team boss didn't want Mikel to leave the club but he understands his decision. According to him, Stoke City had an agreement with John Mikel Obi to let him leave if a good offer comes for him.

Stoke City boss O'Neill revealed that Mikel played the required amount of games necessary to trigger a new deal at the Bet365 Stadium. The Potters manager said it's sad to lose the services of a player like the Nigerian midfielder who has achieved a lot in the game.

O'Neill has already made the move to strengthen his midfield on the back of Mikel's exit. Mario Vrancic has joined O'Neill at Stoke City this summer after helping Norwich City to secure Premier League promotion by winning the Championship title.