‘Time To Seek A New Challenge’, Says Mikel On Chinese Move
John Mikel Obi moves to Tianjin TEDA[/caption]
Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi has, has confirmed his move from Stamford Bridge to Chinese Super League side Tianjin TEDA.
The 29-year-old reportedly signed a 3-year deal with the Chinese side on Thursday, and will now earn £140,000-a-week in the Far East.
Mikel has played 372 times for Chelsea since joining in 2006 but has not featured this season. He has won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the 2012 Champions League during his time at Stamford Bridge.
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In an open letter to Chelsea fans, Mikel said it had been “an honour” to play for the Blues for 10-years, but it was time to “seek a new challenge”.
He wrote: “To play in the Premier League, the best league in the world, is every professional player’s ambition. But to play for Chelsea, to become part of the Chelsea family, to work with some of the best managers and players in the world, has truly been an honour.
“Every achievement I have been part of in my time at Chelsea holds a special memory: my first goal, against Macclesfield in 2007 (even though there were only five more after that!).
“The nail-biting end of the 2010 season – securing the title on the last day, scoring a record 103 goals in the process, and winning the FA Cup a week later. Didier’s extra time winner against Manchester United in the 2007 FA Cup Final.
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“Beating two of our biggest London rivals in League Cup finals. Winning the Europa League in Amsterdam, with one of the last kicks of the game.’
“Then there was Munich. We were desperate to make up for the disappointment of the 2008 final, but trailing with two minutes to go, against Bayern, in their own stadium, it seemed that once more luck was against us.
“But that night, with lions on our chest and the fans behind us, we fought. Up popped Didier, the rest is history, and to date we’re still proudly the only team in London with a European Cup.’
“My biggest thanks must go to the Blues fans. You brought me into the Chelsea family, you sung my name, and were there with us every step of the way. Thanks to your support, on nights like in Munich, you made the impossible possible.”
In a statement on the club’s website, Chelsea wished the long-serving midfielder well on his new venture: “He leaves with our very best wishes and we thank him for his exceptional service.”
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He becomes the second Chelsea player to move to the Chinese Super League in recent weeks following Oscar’s transfer to Shanghai SIPG.
