Former Nigerian international John Obi Mikel has discussed the influence he and Didier Drogba had on Chelsea’s perception in Africa.
In an interview, the former player revealed that Africa discovered the English club Chelsea through him and Didier Drogba.
“In Africa, people started supporting Chelsea mainly because of me and Didier Drogba. In Nigeria, Chelsea became popular because of me and later on because of Victor Moses,” he asserted.
The midfielder spent a decade at the Blues. From 2006 to 2016, Mikel Obi wore Chelsea’s colors, winning the Champions League in 2012, two Premier League titles (2009/2010, 2014/2015), and many other honors.
After leaving Chelsea, Mikel Obi played for lesser-known clubs like Trabzonspor, Middlesbrough, and ended his career at Stoke City. The former Nigerian player shared much of his career with Didier Drogba.
The latter also spent nearly a decade at Chelsea, from 2004 to 2015.
They practically shared the same collective honors. Unlike Mikel Obi, Didier Drogba spent the bulk of his career at Chelsea.
The club has also featured great African players such as Michael Essien, Geremi Njitap, Salomon Kalou, Samuel Eto’o, and George Weah.
Leave a Reply