After a standout efficiency within the Legends of Europe sport, John Mikel Obi spoke in regards to the emotion of being again on the Bridge, beating Bayern Munich once more, and which former Blues team-mate is sort of a twin…
As may be the case in a participant’s profession when the fates conspire, John Mikel Obi didn’t have the prospect for a correct on-pitch farewell when his trophy-laden time as a Chelsea participant got here to an finish.
Unlike lots of these with whom he shared the Stamford Bridge pitch once more on Saturday night time, comparable to John Terry and Gary Cahill to call a well-known two, it was not recognized prematurely when the Nigerian performed his ultimate sport (at Anfield in May 2016) that he could be leaving and so the plaudits had been saved on ice.
Mikel remained at Chelsea for an extra half-season with out taking part in a sport till, along with his contract drawing to an finish and N’Golo Kante now on the scene, he moved on in January 2017. His time as a Blue lasted over a decade and yielded 10 main trophies.
Six-and-a-half years later, Mikel was again striding across the Stamford Bridge pitch. It felt just like the midfielder had barely been away – and with that got here the chance to lastly present his appreciation to the Chelsea devoted.
‘I think it did make up for it a little bit,’ the now 36-year-old advised us after the 4-0 win towards Bayern Munich’s Legends, and earlier than he spent extra time catching up with former team-mates.
‘When I was coming out I could feel the fans clapping and cheering. That brought some emotion out of me, coming back and playing and some of the actions that happened in the game. They brought back a lot of good memories.
‘It just felt like we were back, the old Chelsea, the way we were on the front foot.’
Mikel ended his taking part in profession almost a yr in the past however has saved himself in supreme form. It enabled him to play the vast majority of Saturday’s fixture on the Bridge; he regarded hardly a day older than on his final outing in a blue shirt in 2016.
‘I look younger, don’t I?’ he instructed with an enormous smile.
‘I am looking after myself, trying to eat right, trying to train right. I wish I knew half of the things I know now when I was still playing, I think it would have added a lot more to my game, a lot more to my career. I know more about who I am now, about myself and what gets me going. But hey, that is part of life.’
The reality the opposition on Saturday had been Bayern Munich held particular significance for Mikel.
Though Petr Cech and Didier Drogba grabbed the headlines – understandably so – on that night time in 2012 when Chelsea gained the Champions League, it was our midfield anchor who many supporters imagine produced the excellent efficiency over 120 minutes.
‘My best-ever game,’ Mikel confirmed. ‘I should have won the man of the match but Didier obviously came good and saved the day. I’ve watched that sport just a few occasions since…
‘There’s nothing better than this,’ he added as he surveyed the scene the place he had simply relived a profession excessive level.
‘Popping the ball around, seeing JT and Petr behind us, it just brings back memories. Having Michael Essien in the middle with me, it was a joy tonight.
‘I thought the game was really good, we played really well and got the goals. Bayern also had a few moments when they had a bit of a chance but we are Chelsea and when you play at home, you always want to win. That mentality is always there.’
Unfortunately, one objective that didn’t fairly materialise was when Mikel performed his nice pal Salomon Kalou via close to the tip of the sport.
Drogba used to explain their rumbustious relationship as akin to cartoon characters Tom and Jerry, which leads you to count on Mikel is not going to be letting the ahead overlook his miss within the Legends sport in a rush.
‘Me and him, we are like twins. I love Kalou,’ Mikel laughed.
‘He is an amazing guy and we have crazy, crazy banter together. We fight, we make up, and at the end of the day we absolutely love each other.
‘After I set him up, I wanted him to score but he didn’t, but he had an amazing game so it is ok.’
Like lots of the former Chelsea stars who entertained an enormous crowd on the weekend, Mikel travelled in from afar to participate. Having completed his taking part in days in Kuwait, he now lives in Dubai.
‘I’m there with my household, with my twins rising up. They’re going be eight in just a few days so an enormous occasion is coming.
‘This was a chance to see people I haven’t seen in a long time: JT, Makelele, Malouda, Gary Cahill, Ryan Bertrand, all these guys that I played with. It just brings back little memories.
‘It’s nice we actually won the game and we can celebrate that. I would do it again!’
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Fifty per cent of funds raised from the Legends of Europe sport are going on to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, which helps the work of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust the place Gianluca Vialli was handled. The different proceeds are being donated to the Chelsea Foundation.
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Fans within the UK can donate £5 by texting the phrase LUCA to 70085. You ought to obtain affirmation that your donation was profitable. For supporters outdoors of the UK, you’ll be able to donate straight on the Chelsea Foundation’s Just Giving web page, which you’ll be able to access by clicking right here.
