Nigeria Legend Has No Regret Picking Chelsea Over Manchester United Despite Signing A Pre Contract

• Former Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel has opened up on his decision to snub Manchester United and join Chelsea
• John Obi Mikel joined London side Chelsea despite signing a pre-contract with the Red Devils as a teenager
• The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner announced his retirement from football last week after a trophy-laden career

Retired Nigerian footballer, John Obi Mikel, has finally broken his silence on the decision to ignore his pre-contract with Manchester United and join Chelsea in 2006.

A 17-year-old Mikel Obi impressed Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who was set to get the Nigerian join the English giants.

However, a late offer from Chelsea saw the Nigerian leave for London, where he signed for the Blues. A decision he says was the best of his career.

"I don't regret any decision I made because I enjoyed everything I achieved at Chelsea - it's the best decision I have ever made in my life," Mikel told BBC Sport Africa.

FC Porto legends: Top 10 all-time greats for the Dragons

Football

"I signed a pre-contract for Manchester United when I was 17. If you are a kid and you see Sir Alex Ferguson right in front of you with the contract, of course you will be tempted."

Mikel Obi enjoyed a trophy-laden career at Chelsea, winning two English Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League and three FA Cups. He spent eleven years at Chelsea before leaving for China to join Tianjin Teda.

John Obi Mikel announces retirement from football

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has announced his retirement from football after 20 years in which the Nigerian will be remembered as one of the best African midfielders ever.

The Chelsea legend took to his official Instagram page on Tuesday afternoon, 27 September, to make the announcement with the Nigerian thanking all the people who supported his football career.

Obi Mikel is retiring as a hero at the age of 35 with laurels won for both clubs and country as it will be recalled that he was among the Super Eagles players who won the 2013 African Cup of Nations in South Africa.