Football, Lifestyle

Choosing Chelsea over Manchester United my best decision – Mikel Obi reveals

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Former Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi has revealed that picking Chelsea over Manchester United during his controversial transfer in 2006 was the “best decision” of his career.

Recall that the midfielder, who retired last week at the age of 35, was the subject of a bitter dispute between the Red Devils and the Blues in 2005, before signing for the London club the following year.

Despite initially signing for the Manchester side from Norwegian club Lyn Oslo,Mikel made a U-turn and moved to London.

Mikel became one of the club’s most decorated players, winning the Champions League, Europa League, two Premier Leagues, two League Cups, and four FA Cups in an 11-year spell which ended when he left Stamford Bridge in 2017.

Speaking with BBC Sport Africa, Mikel said:

“I don’t regret any decision I made because I enjoyed everything I achieved at Chelsea – it’s the best decision I have ever made in my life.” “I signed a pre-contract for Manchester United when I was 17.

If you are a kid and you see Sir Alex Ferguson right in front of you with the contract, of course you will be tempted.”

Lifestyle

FG Appoints Mikel Obi As Youth Ambassador

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The Federal Government has appointed former Super Eagles Captain, John Mikel Obi as a Youth Ambassador.

The appointment which took place at the NOC secretariat, National Stadium, Surulere Lagos on Friday was given to the footballer in a bid to inspire young Nigerians to strive for excellence.

It is another of the Sports Minister, Sunday Dare’s initiatives geared towards driving a vibrant youth for national development.

Speaking at the event, Dare, described the former Chelsea player as a role model whose lasting legacies in football development have continued to have a positive impact on youths in the country.

The minister promised to support Mikel’s vision and the vision for sports development in the country and also assured the Stoke City midfielder of the Federal Government’s unalloyed support whenever he chooses to invest in the country.

“Time will not permit me to say much about Mikel’s success as a footballer. He is our legend and a role model who has continued to impact the lives of youth positively.

“It is my pleasure to appoint you as Nigerian Youth Ambassador. It’s a new portfolio and your role as youth ambassador will be made known to Nigerians,” the minister asserted.

In his response, Mikel expressed delight with his new portfolio and promised to work with the sports ministry to foster youth development in the country.

“I feel highly honored to be appointed as Youth Ambassador of this country, it is a great feeling. I am happy with this partnership and I promise to do my best to encourage and inspire the youths towards national development not just in football but in other sports like Basketball, Boxing among others”, Mikel said.

The event was followed by a tour of the National Stadium, Surulere which is undergoing rehabilitation.

Politics

2023: No better youth to lead Nigeria than Yahaya Bello – Mikel Obi

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Nigerian footballer and former Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi, has said that there is a need for youth leadership in Nigeria.

He stated this while on a courtesy visit to Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Sunday in Abuja.

Obi said that it was time for the Youths to come out and take leadership positions across all boards for the betterment of Nigeria.

He pledged support for Bello’s political aspirations, adding that youths should be given a chance to get the change Nigerians clamour for.

He also lauded Bello for his achievement in Kogi in the areas of security, healthcare, infrastructure, education and agriculture.

The soccer star noted that such efforts when impacted at a higher level would bring further development for Nigeria.

“It is an honour for me to finally meet his Excellency personally after all the good things I have heard and read about him from not just the people of Kogi State but from Nigerians.

“My main aim is to come here to show my appreciation and to thank him for all the things he has been doing for the people and also to support him in whatever future political positions he wants to go into.

“I will like to be there to support him, to be there by his side through this journey for him to achieve whatever he wants which is for the betterment of Nigeria.

“What better person to lead the youths than him, because he has been doing all these good works and that is why I am here to see whatever way I can come in.

“To get the youths together to know and see how we can make things better for our country and how we can align to achieve all that”, Obi said.

Responding, Bello thanked Obi for the visit and his pledge to support the course for youth leadership.

He reiterated that it was time for the youths to take the opportunity that had presented itself.

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