Nigeria captain, John Obi Mikel hopes to help Middlesbrough secure promotion to the English Premier League following his arrival at the club, reports Completesports.com.
Mikel, 31, who penned a short term contract with Middlesbrough was unveiled by the club on Thursday.
He became a free agent in November after a two-year spell in China with Tianjin Teda. And he is expected to boost the promotion chances of the Championship club.
The experienced midfielder who won the 2013 Africa Nations Cup with Nigeria spent 11 seasons at Chelsea.
Also Read: Aghahowa: Super Eagles -Young Team With Fine Quality Can Win AFCON 2019
Mikel was reportedly desperate to seal a move back to England as his wife and two young children remained in the United Kingdom whilst he worked in the Chinese Super League.
“For me it’s looking at the project,” Mikel stated at his unveiling ceremony.
“I spoke to a few clubs and I also spoke to Tony [Pulis], had a good chat with him.
“He’s told me where he wants to go with it and it definitely fits with what I want to do.
“The club wants to get promoted, so hopefully l, I’m here to help in any way I can.”
The Chelsea legend further stresses that his main priority will be the team’s success just as he is braced up for the challenge ahead at the Championship side.
“It’s a family club and this is what I want. I like stability and this is why I was at Chelsea for a very long time,” Mikel said.
“We have to put our heads together and help each other,” he said.
“If anyone knows me from my years at Chelsea, I always played for the team. The team comes first and that’s exactly what I’m going to do here.
“Here is going to be a challenge, but I love challenges.”
By Adeboye Amosu
6 Comments
This is English football, you have got to be fit.
What if you dont get promotion?
He will use this opportunity as a chance to get back in top flight English football
Nkechube is back in England. He should get regular football in this arrangement. And the level of championship football is not too shabby. Better than Chinese football, I think. Less money, better football, and the clincher is getting to be closer to his family. Let’s hope the gaffer uses him in a role that’s similar to his role with the SE. Then we will see the best of him.
4 footballing wins with this arrangement:
1. He has the chance for regular football and thus meets the criterion for inclusion in the AFCON squad
2. If he helps them to promotion, he stands the chance of contract renewal and a return to the premiership
3. If they don’t get promotion this buys him six months to negotiate with other clubs for a move
4. Less stress on his body travelling long distances to meet up with the Super Eagles, this (hopefully) less injury potential
4.
I so much love this guy Mikel obi.. Keep soaring bro.. Ur humility will take u places.. My prayer shall always guide u for an injury free career