Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel says he has no plans to return to Trabzonspor after walking out on the club over their handling of the coronavirus situation.
Mikel posted on social media last week, making his views clear that the Turkish Super Lig should be suspended as Covid-19 spreads.
The former Super Eagles captain contract was subsequently cancelled and he had since returned to his family in England.
They [the club] were really upset about the whole thing,” Mikel told The Athletic.
“I was told to meet with the president in his office one-on-one. He asked me to take [the post] down. I told him I wasn’t going to do that.
“It’s my opinion. This is how I feel. We live in a free world. I have freedom of speech. I can express my opinion.
“I wanted to win the league too but at this point in time we have to think about what is more important: to save peoples’ lives.
“I want to help in any way that I can to defeat this virus. For us to be out there playing; I don’t think we are helping the global situation. I don’t feel it is right for us to play football.
“UEFA have postponed football. How come they are still playing in Turkey ? It’s not right at all. But Trabzonspor were not having it — for me, they don’t care.”
Read Also: FIFPro Writes Turkish Authorities, Wants League Suspended Over Coronavirus Pandemic
Mikel also says his family were key in his decision to return to England. His wife and twin daughters had remained there while he played in Turkey, having joined from a spell in the Championship with Middlesbrough in the summer of 2019.
“I explained to the club that I needed to see and be with my kids,” he added.
“They were calling me every single morning, crying on the phone, wondering why their friends were not coming over for playdates, why they can’t touch anyone on the street.
“I knew if I came home, they’d be relaxed because they’d then know Daddy was home.
“I told the club, ‘OK, if that’s what you’re saying, I’m ready to give up my contract. To be with my family, to help the world to do the right thing — everybody needs to stay at home at this point in time.’
“Go back to Trabzonspor? No chance.
”Not with the way they have dealt with this situation.
“We have to look at ourselves sometimes in life and ask what is more important? Who do I want to be friends with? When I’m in trouble, who is going to look after me?
“And, the way they have dealt with this, I don’t see myself going back to Trabzonspor again.”
9 Comments
You were hasty in your decision. Now the league has been rightly suspended, you’ve cancelled your contract. I think it’s a lost to you because when the league resumes, your teammates will likely be crowned champions
The fear of coronavirus in Europe is the beginning of wisdom. He made a very good decision. Life and family before Turkish trophy
Hé bas bien à champion si Manu Times ans in more prestigious Pragues than thé Turkish League.
Infos m’y brother. You made rugby décision. Big il!!!!!
Mikel Artera – Arsenal Head coach – wey get the China virus, how many head him get?
Mike Obi made his decision based on what is best for him, but you are here drinking Alabukun for another pelsin headache?…
I’m really proud of how well Mikel has matured over the years.From the kid who reported to training with body guards to this man who puts others before himself. It’s refreshing for the mind. Trabzonspor have certainly not handled him properly. That’s the truth. No matter how poetic and important we make it seem, football is just a game. Family and human life is more important.
Mikel wasn’t wrong to leave turkey, but I think he was too fast to take actions.. The hand writing was on the wall that the Turkish league was going to be called off but he needed to be more patient… I would blame his wife for putting lot of pressure on him, now see the amount of money he is missing out on.. Yes he is rich but while others footballars are still getting paid for sitting at home doing nothing, Mikel is without a dime adding to his account. It’s a lesson for men, don’t let your wife’s push you into making quick decision.. Like eve did with adam
Ok, you live with the Mikels to know this information you’re sharing?…
Or are you just talking from your arse hole?
If at 32 a successful professional footballer like Mikel cannot speak his mind then who should? Nigerians have to come out their colonial mentality of subservience and prostration and begging. Mikelwent there to play football, bot to work as a slave. He stood tall and I salute this brave Nigerian.
What is Turkish Super Lig Trophy when he has won all that needed to be won in his football career except world cup so i dont blame his decision at all because he has always been a vocal leader since his playing days in the national team so i am not surprised he was brave enough to severe ties with the Trabzonspor outfit so we Nigerians should be proud of a national legend like Mikel Obi as far as i am concerned he has achieved beyond the super lig so if those cricizing him dont value their lives i guess he does values his and that of his family so kudos to Legendary Mikel Obi