Mikel Obi Finally Reveals Reason That Made Him Choose Chelsea Over Man United

Mikel Obi Finally Reveals Reason That Made Him Choose Chelsea Over Man United

Ibitoye Shittu
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:14 PM
  • Nigerian star Mikel Obi snubbed a move to Manchester United in 2006 and instead joined rivals Chelsea
  • The former Super Eagles captain has now explained that he did so because of his love for Jose Mourinho
  • Obi added that he resonated with the style of the Portuguese gaffer and that prompted him to join the Blues

Nigerian football legend Mikel John Obi has finally explained that he was of the view that Chelsea were the better side for him - and that was why he snubbed Manchester United.

In 2006, there was serious tussle between Manchester United and Chelsea over the signing of Obi, as Sir Alex Ferguson wanted the Nigerian at Old Trafford.

Obi was reported then to have even completed his medicals at the Red Devils, before the Nigerian changed his decision and went to join Chelsea.

Mikel Obi, Chelsea, Manchester United, Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho, Super Eagles
Mikel John Obi says he snubbed Man United for Chelsea because of his admiration for Jose Mourinho. Photo by Catherine Ivill.
Source: Getty Images

Manchester United fans were not happy then as they were expecting Obi to play for them, but the Nigerian claimed that he was convinced by Mourinho's coaching style.

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According to a video interview the Super Eagles legend granted, which was posted on Twitter, Obi stated clearly that he had to choose Mourinho because of his methods.

Obi's statement on snubbing United

''It was actually a difficult decision for me to make because I had to decide between Sir Alex Ferguson or Mourinho, and also the side with an experienced manager or the one with a coach who was winning."
''The situation was so sensitive and I picked Chelsea, even though I knew that Manchester United wanted me so well.''

Mikel did not regret joining Chelsea as the Nigerian won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Europa League titles at Stamford Bridge.

Mikel Obi speaks about Mourinho

Earlier, Sports Brief had reported how former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi opened up on how Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho changed his position to the defensive midfield.

The attacking midfielder joined the Premier League club Chelsea in 2006 under manager Mourinho, but he was later converted to the defensive midfield role.

The former Lyn of Oslo star was impactful upfront for the Norwegian outfit, but he admitted that Chelsea had quite a lot of talented superstars in the attacking midfield role.

He disclosed that the ‘Special One’ had a chat with him after some time, saying he preferred the Nigerian in the defensive midfield position.

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