The manager of Roma, Jose Mourinho, who oversaw the renowned midfielder Mikel Obi of Nigeria for more than three years at Chelsea, has said that he admires every aspect of the retiring player.
Remember that from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2013 to 2015, Mikel Obi was a player for Jose Mourinho. Together, they took home one Premier League title, two FA Cups, and two league cups.
In the early stages of his football career, the former captain of the Super Eagles was highly recognized for his ability to handle the ball and make long passes. However, the Portuguese manager at Stamford Bridge changed his role.
At the 2005 Under-20 World Cup in Holland, Mikel Obi scored two goals to help Nigeria place second. He came in second place to Lionel Messi as the tournament’s most valuable player.
As an offensive midfielder, Obi achieved all of them, and it was anticipated that he would face up against Messi for the entirety of his football career.
He consequently became well-known and one of the most sought-after players following the under-20 World Cup.
Rumors circulated that he had already inked a contract with Manchester United, who were seeking a midfield player to take Paul Scholes’ place.
After some controversy, the Nigerian did, however, choose to join Jose Mourinho at Chelsea in what is now thought to be one of the most strange moves in Premier League history.
Unexpectedly, Mourinho turned Mikel into a defensive midfielder who hardly scored goals until his retirement when he joined Chelsea.
In a Mikel Obi-owned website, ObiOne Podcast, Jose Mourinho stated in an interview: “I loved everything about Mikel.” There are many similarities among the positional [defensive] midfield players I have had throughout my career.
