Mikel dares Siasia

Nigeria and Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel in a veiled response to suggestions by Eagles' coach Samson Siasia for him to quit Chelsea, Mikel has vowed to end his career at Stamford Bridge.

Mikel who has been adjudged the best passer of the ball in the English premier league, said that it was Chelsea that made him the professional player that he is today. He added that teammates at Stamford Bridge are like brothers to him and coach Carlo Anceloti is like a father.

"I love playing here. There are so many nice guys, the players and the staff, everyone. It is more like a home for me.

"I love England and I love London so why go somewhere else? I want to see this club win trophies and I want to be part of it. I want to stay here for the rest of my career,"said Mikel.

He added that when he joined Chelsea from Lyn Oslo, things were difficult because of the transfer tussle between Chelsea and Manchester United.

"It was a hard time, a difficult time, for me. "It put a lot of pressure on me. I didn't expect it to go that way I just wanted a normal transfer, but obviously it went on for more than a year.

"I went to Lyn Oslo and played maybe just five or six games and then it all happened. I've always said this is where I want to be. People said you're not going to get games because there are lots of big players.

"People were putting pressure on me, about the decision of whether to go to Chelsea or United. I made my choice and stuck by it."

He said that former Chelsea coach, Jose Mourinho helped him to be focused.

"Every time I did something wrong, every mistake I made, he would get Didier Drogba to talk to me. I was off it, I didn't know what I was doing. It was hard for me to take responsibility,"

He said Ancelotti has also given him equal attention."Carlo's always talking to me. He's always there to give me advice and I take it, whether he's criticising me or giving me positive advice. He played the same role I played so maybe he is trying to make me be a bit like him."

Siasia said last week that Mikel's game has taken a dip following his stay at Chelsea. He urged the former under-20 star to join a new club if he is to rediscover himself in football.

Vanguard

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