Nigeria’s Super Eagles captain Mikel John Obi has retired from international football after leading the country to third place at African Cup of Nations in Egypt.
“At the age of 32 it’s time for me to retire from the National team and let the youth take over, who’ve done an amazing job securing a bronze medal at AFCON 2019,”
Mikel said on Thursday.
Mikel, a Chelsea legend, featured for just two matches against Burundi and Madagascar in the tournament. Announcing his retirement from national duty, he wrote,
“Egypt is a country where I’ve started and have finished my National career.
In 2006 I played my first official championship for my Country. 2019 African Cup of Nations marks my last championship for National Team with Super Eagles.
“My national career started in 2003 under 17 World Cup and I’m grateful for the national team for placing me on the world arena and giving me an opportunity to show my skill and have an incredible National and International career.
“At the age of 32, it’s time for me to retire from the National team and let the youth take over, who’ve done an amazing job securing a bronze medal at AFCON 2019.
“Thank you to all my Nigerian supporters and to my Country for all the trust, support and love you’ve shown me over the past 15 years. “
Mikel Obi will earn €1.5m (N607m) per season at his new club Trabzonspor, Sports Extra has reliably scooped.
Mikel, 32, signed a two-year deal with the option of an additional 12 months joined the Turkish club this summer in a deal that will earn him over €150,000 a week. The former Chelsea and Middlesbrough will be the highest-earning Nigerian player in Turkey based on basic salary.
“He got a good deal I must confess,” a source, who brokered the deal, disclosed to Sports Extra.
“€1.5m per season for his age, wealth of experience and pedigree earned him that lucrative contract at that age.
Mikel, who has made two appearances for the Eagles at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, will link up with his compatriots Ogenyi Onazi and Anthony Nwakaeme at Trabzonspor, who will compete in next season’s Europa League after finishing fourth in 2018/19 season.
The midfielder made 249 Premier League appearances for Chelsea in an 11-year spell, winning two league titles, three FA Cups, the UEFA Champions League and the Europa League. He also featured in two World Cups and helped the Super Eagles win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
Mikel, who will retire from international football after the AFCON tournament made his Nations Cup debut in Egypt in 2006.
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