Main PageJohn Mikel Obi: 5 things you should know about that transfer tussle between Man United and Chelsea
Five things you should know about that Manchester United and Chelsea's transfer tussle for Mikel.
More than 10 years after he was in the middle of a tussle between two Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea, John Mikel Obi has finally revealed details of the controversial transfer.
A 15-year-old Mikel Obi had first signed a pre-contract agreement before he changed his mind to join Chelsea.
In a recent interview with the UK Sun, the Super Eagles captain gave details of the tussle.
These are five things you should know about it
1. Manchester United approached him first
Mikel had just left school as a 15-year-old when Manchester United approached him and took him for a one month trial at their Carrington training ground.
2. Mikel impressed Manchester United senior players during the trial
During his one month trial at Manchester United, the then captain Roy Keane was so impressed with Mikel that he protected him from heavy tackles. Keane and Paul Scholes also urged Ferguson to sign the young midfielder.
3. Roman Abramovich really wanted him
In the interview, Mikel revealed that Chelsea owner Abramovich carried out a military-style approach to get him.
“Roman Abramovich organised six cars to get me there. It was like a military operation,” Mikel said.
At a meeting with Jose Mourinho, the manager stressed the Chelsea owner's interest in him.
4. Barcelona were also interested
After Chelsea came into the picture, Barcelona also made an offer for Mikel Obi which he turned down.
5. Ferguson was angry when Mikel turned down United’s offer
ALSO READ: Why Mikel is a Chelsea legend
Mikel revealed that Ferguson was very angry when he rejected Manchester United for Chelsea. According to Mikel, Ferguson told him that no player should turn down Manchester United.
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