Former Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi, has retired from professional football.
The former Chelsea midfielder made the announcement on Tuesday, via social media.
The UEFA Champions League Winner thanked all those who supported his successful career.
He wrote;
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“There is a saying that “all good things must come to an end”, and for my professional football career, that day is today.
“I look back at the past 20 years of my career, and I must say that I am very satisfied with all that I was able to achieve and more importantly the human it has helped shape.
“All of this would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, managers, clubs, coaches, teammates and most importantly my ever-loyal fans.
“You supported me through my highs and lows, even on days that I did not live up to your expectations. I say a big thank you.
“I will also like to encourage everyone who I may have inspired one way or the other in the course of my career to never give up on their dreams, for every time you think about quitting, remind yourself why you started.
“This is not goodbye, it’s the start of another journey, another chapter of my life. I look forward to what the future holds and I hope you will walk with me. Thank you.”
Born John Michael Nchekwube Obinna on 22 April 1987, Mikel played as a defensive midfielder.
Though, he started his football career with Plateau United, the player’s career is mostly defined by his time at Chelsea.
Mikel spent a trophy-laden 10 year at Stamford Bridge, winning the English Premier League, League Cup, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, as well as the Europa League.
