Super Eagles legend Mikel Obi says he passed on the chance to be the first Nigerian to player for Manchester United.
Nigerian football legend Mikel Obi has opened up about the infamous transfer saga that saw him caught between Man United and Chelsea over a decade ago.
In a captivating live podcast session from Dubai, the former Super Eagles captain revealed the dramatic details of how he initially signed with United before being "kidnapped" by then Chelsea's owner Roman Abramovich to secure his commitment to the London club.
Reflecting on the tumultuous period, Mikel explained, "It took about a year and a half to get settled but it was a long story. I almost joined Manchester United; I did sign a pre-contract because I was a kid back then."
He recounted how, at just 17 years old, he had to navigate the complexities of European football transfers while still in Norway, where Chelsea had sent him to study and play.
Mikel described the moment when Manchester United's legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson made his move.
"United sent a massive contract for me to sign and I saw the figure in the contract and I was like 'Why not?'" However, he was alone and without his agent during this critical moment.
"I was nervous, didn't have my agent with me so they did everything behind closed doors," he said. After signing the contract, chaos ensued as Chelsea's Abramovich learned of the situation and quickly intervened.
"They sent all their people down to Norway, and that's where the kidnapping started," Mikel recalled. He humorously noted that while he was declared missing in Norway-leading to a nationwide police announcement-he was actually enjoying luxurious accommodations in London courtesy of Abramovich. "But as a young kid back then, I just wanted to play football," he added.
Chelsea had to make sure that nobody got to know where I was and that was what happened. I got taken away somewhere and flown to London, where the whole thing started.
The tension escalated as FIFA and the Football Association (FA) became involved in resolving the dispute.
Mikel recounted a crucial meeting with Ferguson: "He said to me 'What is the problem? Why don't you wanna play for United?'"
Despite United's success at the time, Mikel had his sights set on Chelsea and their new manager, Jose Mourinho. "I have always said I wanted to play for Chelsea," he reiterated.
Mikel's agent advised him before entering the meeting with Ferguson: "Everything he says in the meeting, make sure you say 'no'." The young player adhered to this advice during their discussion, which left Ferguson visibly frustrated. "I could see Fergie get more red on his face," Mikel recalled with laughter in the video.
Ultimately, Mikel's decision to reject United meant he would miss out on becoming the first Nigerian player at Old Trafford-a prospect that weighed heavily on him. "No Nigerian player, I would have been the first player," he lamented.
Nevertheless, his resolve paid off when Chelsea eventually secured his services for £16 million after a protracted negotiation process.
Reflecting on his choice years later, Mikel stated unequivocally that joining Chelsea was "the best decision" of his career. Despite the initial turmoil surrounding his transfer saga, it ultimately led him to an illustrious stint with Chelsea, where he won numerous titles including two Premier League championships and a UEFA Champions League trophy.
While Obi continues to share his remarkable journey through football, his honest revelations about this pivotal moment in his career reminds of the complexities young players face in their professional paths amidst powerful clubs and influential figures.
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