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Former Chelsea captain, John Terry, has reacted to his ex-colleague, John Obi Mikel, retirement from professional football after a trophy-laden career.
Obi announced his retirement on Tuesday via his social media account.
The 35-year-old footballer, who has a 20-year professional career and played a key role as Chelsea FC secured a first Champions League trophy in 2012, made the announcement on Instagram.
Before his retirement, Obi played for Kuwait SC.
“There is a saying that ‘all good things must come to an end, and for my professional football career, that day is today,” he wrote.
Adding: “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 when I did not live up to your expectations. I say a big thank you.”
Obi encouraged those he may have inspired never to give up on their dreams.
“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,” Obi asserted.
The midfielder won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, Europa League, and the AFCON, among others.
In recent years, Obi played for Middlesbrough and Stoke City in the English Championship.
He rose to prominence representing Nigeria at the 2005 FIFA U-17 FIFA World Cup in the Netherlands as the Flying Eagles finished second to a Lionel Messi-led Argentina side.
John Terry congratulates Mikel Obi
During Terry’s successful 11-year stint with Chelsea, Mikel Obi played with Terry.
Terry, who is now a development coach at Stamford Bridge, wrote on Instagram: “What a great career my friend, it was a pleasure to play and share a dressing room with you. Love you Georgie Boy.”
“Thanks, Georgie boy, love ya old boy. You made us winners in that dressing room. And loads of banter, thank you,” Mikel responded to Terry
ThenewsGuru.com reports that Mikel began his career with local club Plateau United, before joining Norwegian club Lyn at the age of 17 in 2004.
In 2006, he made a controversial transfer to English club Chelsea after Manchester United claimed they had already signed him.
He stayed with Chelsea for 11 years, before moving to China with Tianjin TEDA in 2017. After two years in China, he returned to England on a short-term deal with Middlesbrough, before joining Trabzonspor on a free transfer in July 2019.
Mikel moved back to England in August 2020 joining Stoke City.
In a 14-year international career between 2005 and 2019, he played 91 times for Nigeria, scoring six goals