Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Properties / Chelsea Estate In Ajah Lagos: John Mikel Obi Is Building It (52817 Views), Construction f Duplex + Flats At Ajah, Lagos / Construction Of Six Unit Of 2 Bedroom Flat At Lekki Ajah Lagos State. [47] The 201112 Premier League campaign saw Mikel appear in 22 league fixtures, starting 15 of them, as well as playing in eight fixtures leading up to the team's appearance in the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final against Bayern Munich. Learn how your comment data is processed. "I actually think, when you look at him now, he's lost a little weight," he said. But come the weekend he produced. On 21 September 2013, Mikel scored his first-ever Premier League goal in a 20 win against Fulham. But one transfer stands out. Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has reportedly pledged to financially help cash strapped Nigeria Amputee team to make it to the 2018 World Cup in Mexico. On 12 August, FIFA ruled that Mikel should return to Lyn to fulfil the remainder of his contract with the club, whilst they would decide at a later date whether the contract he signed with United should be upheld or cancelled. John Mikel . On the 2nd of June 2006, Mikel was to be transferred from Lyn to Chelsea, while Manchester United agreed to terminate its contract with the player. [67] He left Tianjin TEDA at the end of the 2018 Chinese Super League season in November 2018. The 35-year-old former Nigeria international, who announced his retirement from professional football in September last year, enjoyed a trophy-laden 11-year spell at Stamford Bridge. "World Cup 2018: John Mikel Obi calls for greater security in Nigeria following father's kidnapping", "Nigeria's captain got a ransom demand for his kidnapped father hours before a World Cup game", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2006/2007", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2007/2008", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2008/2009", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2009/2010", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2010/2011", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2011/2012", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2012/2013", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2013/2014", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2014/2015", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2015/2016", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2016/2017", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2017/2018", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2018/2019", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2019/2020", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2020/2021", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mikel_John_Obi&oldid=1139991964, Nigeria under-20 international footballers, Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in Norway, Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in England, Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in China, Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in Turkey, Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in Kuwait, Articles with dead external links from September 2018, Articles with permanently dead external links, Wikipedia indefinitely semi-protected biographies of living people, Articles using Template:Medal with Winner, Pages using national squad without sport or team link, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, *Club domestic league appearances and goals, This page was last edited on 17 February 2023, at 22:19. [93], Mikel made his FIFA World Cup debut at the 2014 tournament in Brazil, earning a man of the match award in the Super Eagles' opening game against Iran. The couple got married in 2015 and welcomed twin girls the same year. primo do tambm futebolista Joel Obi. In Nigeria today, John Mikel Obi is regarded as one of the richest footballers in Nigeria, and even in Africa, he is widely recognized. For example, in 2014, he signed a five-year contract with Amstel Malta worth N800 million . [20], On 2 June 2006, Chelsea, Manchester United and Lyn reached a settlement to resolve the future of the player. on 28th September, 2022. Although he had all that trouble on 22 July, Mikel signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea. John Mikel Obi. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Twitter: @mikel_john_obi. He originally hails from Enugu State, in the eastern part of Nigeria. The Captain of the Nigerian team has a quiet lifestyle, but his love for luxury buildings and cars is obvious. March 3, 2023 News The 31-year-old was a free agent after leaving Chinese side Tianjin TEDA. Mikel expressed his delight at joining United in a hastily arranged press conference, where he was pictured holding up a Manchester United shirt bearing the squad number 21. "The way they play in games is the way they train. Di biggest highlights of Mikel career come wit di 11 trophy wey im win for di years wey e spend for . On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [102] He retired at the end of the competition, in which Nigeria came third. Former Nigeria captain John Mikel Obi says picking Chelsea over Manchester United in a highly controversial transfer in 2006 was the "best decision" of his career. John Obi Mikel: the unsung hero every team must have: Unfortunately, Mourinho left the club, before he could truly develop the teenage sensation. Sports Headlines Today [Wed-01-Mar-2023] Aaron Rodgers Trade Rumors: Some Teams Think Packers Won't Get 1st-Round Pick for QB - Bleacher Report. He entered the second game against Zimbabwe, nevertheless, early in the second half. John Michael Nchekwube Obinna (n. 22 aprilie 1987, [5] [6] [7] Jos, Statul Plateau, Nigeria ), cunosct ca Mikel John Obi, John Obi Mikel sau John Mikel Obi, este un fotbalist nigerian care evolueaz la clubul chinez Tianjin Teda i la echipa naional de fotbal a Nigeriei . [27] After improved punctuality and showings at training sessions, Mikel earned a recall for Chelsea's Champions League group stage away game against Werder Bremen on 23 November 2006. We welcome all corrections and feedback using the button below. He was most commonly referred to as "John Obi Mikel" upon his arrival at Chelsea, but on 31 July 2006, he stated that he prefers to be called Mikel John Obi instead,[104] and he officially changed his name to Mikel John Obi in 2016. There's people proper boxing at the training ground because everybody wants to be in the team come the weekend. Mikel was born in Jos, Plateau State,[3] the son of Michael Obi, who runs an inter-state transport company in Jos. We cant decide for you. John Mikel Obi celebrate Nigeria 2013 Africa Cup of Nations success with Joseph Yobo . Save Money Buying Any Car, Use Free Car Price Checker NOW Car Price Checker. Mikel got a total of 91 caps for his country, whilst scoring 6 goals. There were some tough times. Mikel has been one of Nigeria's top footballers even though his achievements cant be compared with like of Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwanko Kanu etc. [34], Under new manager Carlo Ancelotti, Mikel continued to perform with efficiency in his defensive midfield role, notching 35 appearances for the Blues. I was just staying away from the public eye making sure no one knew where I was. John Michael Nchekwube Obinna Obi, professionally known as John Mikel Obi is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a defensive Midfielder for Stoke City. . [95], He was selected by Nigeria for their 35-man provisional squad for the 2016 Summer Olympics[96] and was later named captain of the Olympics squad. They were staying with me at the house in London to keep me company. It is unknown if the marriage between the duo has been formalised. Mikel's registration was to be transferred from Lyn to Chelsea; Manchester United agreed to terminate their option agreement with Mikel. keep it up bro,, ,*ot like does dat acquire G wago* a*d tot dei ve do* sumti* great,,. The . I signed Man United's pre-contract before joining Chelsea, Mikel confesses 21 Feb Chelsea cult hero, John Obi Mikel, has detailed what really happened when he snubbed Manchester United in favour . UEFA ban Trabzonspor - League leaders not allowed to play in Champions League . Mikel was assigned a security guard and moved to a safe hotel. Join 5,000+ others. His kidnappers were allegedly in police custody. He spent 11 years with, . Days after he turned 18, it was revealed that Obi had signed for the English Premier League club side Manchester United in April 2005. When he first joined Chelsea, he was most frequently referred to as John Obi Mikel, but on July 31, 2006, he declared that he preferred the name Mikel John Obi, and he made the change official in 2016. From 2006 to 2016, John Obi Mikel spent ten years with the London club Chelsea FC, making 374 appearances across all competitions and netting six goals. He also earns an annual salary of $4 million. Dats a very good one from a faithful nigerian.these are the kind of thinz we want. He hails from Anambra state, Eastern Nigeria but was brought up in Northern Nigeria. [30], On 13 February 2010, Mikel provided the assist for Didier Drogba's goal as Chelsea beat Cardiff City 41 in the fifth round of the 200910 FA Cup. Rather than leaving FIFA to determine the validity of the contract signed with Manchester United, Chelsea intervened by volunteering to settle the transfer saga through negotiation with Lyn and Manchester United. This service is provided on talkSPORT Ltd's Terms of Use in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Well-known for his unbelievable performance in the 2012 UEFA Champions League final against Bayern Munich, the former Blues defensive midfielder spent eleven years at Stamford Bridge (2006-2017). Mikel featured in 28 Premier League campaigns for Chelsea as the London side finished in second place, nine points behind champions Manchester United. [98] After the 20 defeat to Germany, Nigeria went on to the bronze medal match against Honduras. Mikel John Obi (2016-) Date of birth. Mikel has won several individual honors, including being named African Young Player of the Year in 2005 and 2006 and Chelsea Young Player of the Year in 2007 and 2008. Chelsea are interested in Romeo Lavia but the midfielder was called out by his new manager at Southampton Ruben Selles yesterday. [71], In the summer of 2019, Mikel joined Trabzonspor on a two-year contract with the option of a further year. He spent two years in China before returning to England on a temporary deal with, in August 2020 after returning to England and later moved on to. [46], Due to Essien's long-term knee injury, Mikel found more playing time, but around Christmas time lost his place to new signing Oriol Romeu. He said the gesture was part of his efforts to give back to his place of birth and where his football career which had taken [] After the competition, in which Nigeria finished third, he announced his retirement. Mikel is now 35 and has now retired and whatever you thought about him, he made an incredible impact. [47] Following a run of disappointing fixtures, including a catastrophic 31 loss to Napoli in the Champions League round of 16 first leg[48] and a 10 defeat to West Brom,[49] Villas-Boas was sacked by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich. John Micheal Nchekwube Obinna, famously recognised as John Obi Mikel, is a Nigerian-based professional football defensive midfielder. However, controversy surrounded the signing as another English team, Chelsea FC, claimed to have also signed the player. Mikel John Obi, a Champions League, . Tinubu Is The Weakest Of . Russian Wikipedia. You have to tell us.. He is often regarded as one of the most decorated footballers in Nigerian football history. Scouts noticed Obi and he was chosen to play for Plateau United, a top-flight team that had previously produced talents like Celestine Babayaro, Victor Obinna, and Chris Obodo, who eventually had success in European leagues. AFC C' League: Ighalo scores four as Al-Hilal whip Al-Duhail 7-0 - New Telegraph. Arsenal 0-1 Bournemouth LIVE: Billing scores inside TEN SECONDS as visitors strike early, Arsenal 'stunned' as Bournemouth score second-fastest goal in PL history, Wolves v Tottenham LIVE: Neto returns for hosts, Son starts for Spurs who drop Richarlison, Haaland loses his head and causes melee after barging Newcastle star in feisty clash, Chelsea vs Leeds: Potter drops Mudryk as Blues seek huge home win, Gordon air-balls 'embarrassing' shot in first Newcastle start since 45m transfer, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window). In 2006, he made a controversial transfer to English club Chelsea after Manchester United claimed they had already signed him. Mikel was sent-off for the third time in his career in September 2007, when referee Mike Dean dismissed him for a tackle on Manchester United defender Patrice Evra. In 2006, he made a controversial transfer to English club Chelsea after Manchester United claimed they had already signed him. Obi stood out to scouts and was later picked to play for top-flight club Plateau United, a side that had previously developed stars Celestine Babayaro, Victor Obinna and Chris Obodo, among others, that went on to success in European leagues. [100][101], In July 2019, Mikel said that the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations would be his last tournament for Nigeria. John Obi Mikel. He was selected to the Nigerian national team roster for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. In an interview with Kwese ESPN, Mikel said he received a call four hours before kickoff demanding N10 million ($28,000 in U.S. dollars) for the return of his father. On August 17, 2005, he earned his senior team debut for Nigeria when he replaced another player in the second half of a 1-0 friendly victory against Libya. [89] At the tournament, he scored one goal and registered one assist in a match against Benin to help Nigeria qualify for the quarter-finals against hosts Ghana, where they lost 21 to their West African rivals.[90]. Olga only gained wide popularity after she met Mikel Obi. Right now, Mikel obi investment and net worth are estimated at $61 million, with an annual salary of about $6 million. RIF Trust unlocks your potential! Chelsea appealed against the red card, but the three-match suspension was upheld. On 30 August 2014, Mikel, who substituted Willian on the 75-minute mark, set up Diego Costa's second goal after intercepting up Muhamed Bei's backheel pass. All net worths are calculated using data drawn from public sources. But then he goes to bed, wakes up in the morning and produces at 3pm. Date. He then proceeded to a tryout at a South African club, Ajax Cape Town, ultimately joining Oslo-based club Lyn Football in Norway after the competition. [37], Mikel and Chelsea started the new 201011 Premier League campaign where they left off from the 200910 season, playing strong defense and adding deadly finishing. Although Mikel Obi lives in London with his partner- Olga Dyachenko and his two children, it would be quite absurd not to have a home to call his own here in Nigeria. Olga Diyachenko is a Russian model, entrepreneur, and businesswoman who became famous for being the wife of Nigerian professional footballer, John Mikel Obi. Mikel John Obi (born John Michael Nchekwube Obinna; 22 April 1987) is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder. PLEASE Follow us on Instagram> Follow us Here @carmartNigeria. Founded on January 22, 1995, THISDAY is published by THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LTD., 35 Creek Road Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria with offices in 36 states of Nigeria , the Federal Capital Territory and around . Nigeria became the first ever country to win all three medals at the Olympic Games with the 1996 squad winning the gold and 2008 squad winning the silver. John Michael Nchekwube Obinna, mais conhecido como John Obi Mikel (Jos, 22 de abril de 1987), um ex-futebolista nigeriano que atuava como volante. He currently has a net worth of $41 Million, with an annual salary of $6 million. Don't we all miss this Chelsea? To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders, Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications, .css-1diosym{color:black;}@media (prefers-color-scheme:dark){.css-1diosym{color:#fff;}}Published8:01,17 February 2023 GMT@media (prefers-color-scheme:dark){.css-jirzs7{color:#72B97D;}}| Last updated9:03,17 February 2023 GMT. New to Naijabiography? Manu Kone is set to leave Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer and he dreams of joining either Chelsea or Real Madrid. [70] He was released by Middlesbrough at the end of the 201819 season. John Obi Mikel has explained why he dramatically chose to join Chelsea over Manchester United back in 2006, despite even having donned the Red Devils jersey!. Mikel is one of the richest football players in Nigeria. [52], Mikel played the full 90 minutes in Chelsea's 21 victory over Liverpool in the 2012 FA Cup Final on 5 May 2012, picking up a yellow card in the 36th minute. [99], In a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Algeria, Mikel scored a goal and assisted his Chelsea teammate Victor Moses in a 31 victory. Lyn allegedly sent a fax to his agents abroad, claiming their services were no longer required by Mikel. [88] Mikel cited an injury, but because he did not attend an independent check by Nigerian officials, he was dropped. Nearly a year later, Chelsea reached a deal with Mikel's current club, Lyn Oslo, and was able to ink the Nigerian star to a contract in 2006. "[6][107] Michael Obi was found alive on 22 August 2011, in the Nigerian city of Kano. United agreed to terminate their agreement and the Blues got their man, though had to pay their rivals 12m, with 4m going to Lyn Oslo. Read on and find more information about John Obi Mikel's net worth . The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) submitted Michael instead of Mikel for the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship, which was held in Finland. 760471449207345156. has quality. [66] On 14 April 2018, he scored his second league goal for Tianjin, and first goal of the season against Guangzhou R&F. In subsequent games, Mourinho deployed Mikel as a starter in a holding role in key games where he impressed greatly, notably in the ChelseaTottenham Hotspur FA Cup sixth round replay, the Champions League quarter-final games against Valencia, the Champions League semi-final games against Liverpool and also the victorious 2007 FA Cup Final against Manchester United. Former Nigeria international John Mikel Obi has retired from football at the age of 35, declaring himself "very satisfied with all I was able to achieve" during 18 years in the game. Mikel's height and great strength, allied to good ball control and an unusually wide range of passing, allows him not only to disrupt opposing attacks, but also to spread the play effectively. In April 2005, a few days after Mikel turned 18, Manchester United announced that . He also scored against Nottingham Forest in the following round of the competition. [51] Following the appointment of former Chelsea midfielder Roberto Di Matteo as interim head coach, Mikel appeared in 16 of the club's last 20 games and started in 14 of them, and began to play some of his best football for the club. Mikel started his career with the regional team Plateau United before switching to the Norwegian club Lyon in 2004 when he was 17 years old. Season. number of subscribers. 1 reference. [21] On 19 July, Chelsea were granted a work permit for Mikel after they completed the 16million signing in June 2006. Mikel oz faoliyatini mahalliy Plateau United klubida boshlagan, 2004-yilda 17 yoshida Norvegiyaning Lyn klubiga otgan. All of his houses are exquisitely designed and furnished to the best of designs and tastes. He had been struggling to recover from a knee problem after undergoing surgery in May, though there were also reports that an ankle injury was to blame for Mikel's withdrawal. He also had a brief stint with clubs like Middlesbrough, Trabzonspor, Stoke City, and Kuwait SC before announcing his retirement. 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United's official website claimed that they had bypassed Mikel's agents in order to sign a direct contract with no representation. Browse 121 john mikel obi feature stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Within ten minutes of coming on, he had supplied both the corner that resulted in Christian Obodo heading the game's opening goal, and scored Nigeria's second goal. Mikel told KwesESPN that he received a call from the kidnappers four hours before kickoff in the decisive World Cup clash in St. Petersburg, and they demanded N10 million ($28,000 U.S.) for the . ", Mikel Obi reveals how Jose Mourinho converted him to a defensive midfielder. [6] His father was a member of the Igbo ethnic group.[7]. One appearance in FA Community Shield, one appearance in, 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winners (3rd title), Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament, "Africa highlights: Nigeria secret police budget probe, Uganda 'anti-porn machine to arrive soon', "John Obi Mikel Legally Changes Name to Mikel John Obi After Nigerian FA Mistake", Father of Chelsea's Mikel John Obi the victim of kidnapping, "John Obi Mikel Reveals Truth Regarding Kidnapping Rumours Before Chelsea Move", "Carlos Demands Authorities Act On Mikel Saga", "Decision of the Dispute Resolution Chamber", "Former Lyn director convicted of fraud over Mikel deal", "Report: Chelsea v Cardiff City English FA Cup ESPNFC", "Report: Portsmouth v Chelsea Barclays Premier League ESPNFC", "Chelsea Double winner Carlo Ancelotti proves he is special, too", "Blues Beat: Essien's Knee Forces Chelsea's Hand In Midfield World Football Columns", "Carlo Ancelotti sacked as manager of Chelsea", "Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel's father abducted in Nigeria", "What Oriol Romeu does to make Chelsea better", "UEFA Champions League 2011/12 History Napoli-Chelsea ", "Gareth McAuley's late goal gives West Bromwich Albion win over Chelsea", "Villas-Boas sacked by Chelsea: AVB goes after just nine months", "John Mikel Obi Bio, Stats, News Football / Soccer ESPNFC", "John Obi Mikel joins League of Champions", "BBC Sport Chelsea 11 Bayern Munich (aet, 43 pens)", "Mikel: It is the biggest night of our lives", "Harry Redknapp and Spurs given bitter pill of Europa League by Chelsea", "Chelsea & Arsenal stars nominated for FIFA award", "Mark Clattenburg cleared by FA as Chelsea's Mikel is charged", "John Mikel Obi banned for Mark Clattenburg threats", "Chelsea 2 Fulham 0: Mikel scores first Premier League goal as Chelsea brush aside crisis talk to go top", "John Mikel Obi and Oscar scored second-half goals for Chelsea to set up an FA Cup fourth round tie at home to Stoke and knock a resurgent Championship side Derby out of the competition", "Chelsea transfer news: Mikel John Obi will not be offered new Stamford Bridge deal and could leave in January", "Mikel Obi scores as Tiajin Teda record second win Daily Post Nigeria", "Champions League Winner John Obi Mikel Joins Boro", "John Mikel Obi: Middlesbrough sign former Chelsea midfielder", "Stewart Downing: Former England winger among four to leave Middlesbrough", "John Mikel Obi: Trabzonspor sign Nigeria captain on two-year deal", "Coronavirus: John Mikel Obi leaves Trabzonspor after expressing fears", "John Mikel Obi: Stoke City sign former Chelsea midfielder", "Stoke City boss jokes he wants 'that Chelsea player on loan' next season after star turn", "John Obi Mikel joins Al-Kuwait on one year deal", "Mikel: Former Chelsea midfielder leaves Stoke City for Al Kuwait SC", "Heartbreak As Kuwaiti Club Announce Termination of Existing Contract of Super Eagles Legend", "John Mikel Obi contract torn up just four months after leaving Stoke City", "Premier League stars at African Cup of Nations", "World Cup 2010: Mikel John Obi ruled out of Nigeria's campaign", "Africa makes history as two sides reach World Cup knockout stage", "Kelechi Iheanacho included in Nigeria's Olympics squad", "Mikel makes Olympics squad, Awoniyi on standby", "Rio Olympics: Mikel shines as Nigeria spank Denmark", "Olympics 2016: Nigeria beat Honduras to win men's football bronze", "2018 FIFA World Cup Russia - Matches - Nigeria-Algeria - FIFA.com", "CAF Competitions FIFA WC2018 Match Details", "Africa Cup of Nations 2019: Mikel Obi admits this will be his last tournament", "Nigeria's Odion Ighalo, John Obi Mikel retire from international football", "John Obi Mikel Officially Changes His Name and Confuses Entire World in the Process", "Mikel: Former Super Eagle promises to inspire after appointment as Youth Ambassador | Goal.com", Mikel appeals for release of abducted father. References This page wis last eeditit on 21 Juin 2022, at 09:15. . A long, drawn out transfer ended up costing the Blues 16million &# In September 2006, Obi made his Chelsea debut against the Bulgarian club Levski Sofia in a UEFA Champions League encounter. Mikel and his partners (including a bank) are planning to build over 100 housing units of 2/3/4 bedroom service apartments, a multipurpose hall and recreational facilities. / Jos Building Collapse: Before And After Photos / Some Of The Worst Sky Scrapper, High-Rise Building Collapses In History(Photos), Links: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10). He did not play for the national team again prior to being named in the squad for the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations. Mikel began his career with local club Plateau United, before joining Norwegian club Lyn at the age of 17 in 2004. [18][19] After a delay of over a month, Mikel complied with the FIFA decision and returned to Lyn in early September 2005 after a three-month absence. Due to the injuries of John Terry and Gary Cahill, Mikel had to play as a centre-back in multiple games. This was a complete transformation from the John Obi Mikel of recent games who seemed reticent about going forward and generally uncertain about his role in the team. Lionel Messi of Argentina is surrounded by Nigeria players during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Nigeria and Argentina at Saint. In April 2005, Manchester United announced they had struck a deal with Norwegian club Lyn. By Danny Ryan Sep 28, 2022. Obviously, [Manchester] United were trying to get hold of me. Well-known for his unbelievable performance in the 2012 UEFA Champions League final . Name in native language. February 17, 2023. Press Esc to cancel. The Nigerian Amputee team have missed the last three editions of the World Cup due to finance, and they are also on the verge of missing this year's championship. [12] Following his signing of the contract to join United, there were claims from Norway that he had received a number of threatening phone calls from unknown sources. Mikel moved back to England in August 2020 joining Stoke City. [105], On 18 June 2021, the Nigerian Minister of Youth Sports Development, Sunday Akin Dare, announced the appointment of Obi as the country's Youth Ambassador. [58] He was given a three-match ban and fined 60,000 for threatening referee Mark Clattenburg during a 32 defeat to Manchester United. In 2016, before Mikel moved to China, he again changed his name, with the midfielder this time taking the lead and re-organising his name as 'Mikel John Obi'. [43][44], Before the start of their league campaign, Mikel's father was abducted in his native Nigeria on 10 August; despite this, Mikel started in the club's opening fixture against Stoke City at Britannia Stadium. [83][84] On 27 September 2022, Mikel announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 35.