Mikel, who is Chelsea’s second longest serving player after skipper John Terry, has not featured for the Premier League giants since the beginning of the season.
The midfielder guided the national Under-23 team to a memorable bronze at the Rio Olympic Games in August, before guiding Nigeria to a vital 2-1 0 victory over Zambia’s Chipolopolo in their opening Russia 2018 World Cup Group B qualifier at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on October 9.
The 29-year-old, who joined Chelsea in 2006, revealed he has informed the Blues on his imminent departure, admitting that it will be difficult to quit the London club at this time of his career.
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“It is difficult to leave Chelsea at this time,” Mikel told the Evening Standard.
“But I explained to the club why I wanted to go and I thank them for their understanding and allowing me to be a part of this.”
Mikel, who is the most decorated Nigerian footballer has won one Champions League title, a Europa League title, two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups and a Community Shield in his ten-year stay with Chelsea.