John Obi Mikel has revealed a captivating untold story from his teenage years, recalling how shut he got here to becoming a member of Manchester United after impressing Sir Alex Ferguson throughout a month-long trial — earlier than finally signing for José Mourinho’s Chelsea in 2004.
Talking in a sit-down interview with Sky Sports activities Premier League, shared through the broadcaster’s official X deal with, Mikel mirrored on his early days in England and the particular consideration he obtained from the legendary United boss whereas nonetheless solely a teen.
In response to Sky Sports activities, Mikel stated:
I used to be a 16-year-old child. I went on trials at Man United with Fergie for like a month. Fergie cherished me. I bear in mind once I skilled with United. He used to at all times pair me with Roy Keane.He thought Roy Keane would shield me from the likes of Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt. They have been at all times tackling folks in coaching.
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Though the transfer to Outdated Trafford by no means materialised, Mikel went on to carve out a outstanding profession at Chelsea, successful quite a few main honours and establishing himself as a membership legend. Many nonetheless consider that had he joined Ferguson’s Manchester United, he might need added much more trophies to his assortment given the membership’s dominance throughout that period.
Since retiring, Mikel has remained a robust voice round Chelsea, often talking on the membership’s route and performances. Softfootball earlier reported that the former midfielder described new Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior as a “sure man”, following the departure of Enzo Maresca, who left the membership after a collection of off-field disagreements with the hierarchy.
Mikel has additionally lately spoken about what he sees as a serious cultural shift at Stamford Bridge — from a relentless successful mentality underneath former proprietor Roman Abramovich to a extra profit-driven mannequin underneath the present possession. His newest revelation about practically becoming a member of Manchester United solely provides one other intriguing chapter to the story of one in every of Chelsea’s most influential modern-era figures.
