Mourinho tips Mikel for Chelsea captaincy

The Portuguese has tipped the Super Eagles’ midfielder to replace Terry as Blues’ skipper owing to the number of years he has spent at the Stamford Bridge

By Shina Oludare
Jul 28, 2015 15:00:00

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has earmarked John Obi Mikel as a likely replacement for John Terry as the Blues’ captain.

The Super Eagles star has spent nine years with the Stamford Bridge lords since his controversial move from Norwegian side, Lyn in 2006 and had since won over 224 caps with four goals to his credit.

With 34-year-old Terry’s career with the London side winding down, it means the English champions will have to select a new skipper and Mourinho feels Obi – the team’s second longest serving player may just be accorded with the honour of wearing the skipper’s armband.

“Mikel is, after John, the guy with most years of Chelsea,” Mourinho told Dailymail.co.uk

“I think (Cesc) Fabregas has personality for a captain too. Eden is coming with big status now and was voted one of the top 10 players in Europe last year.

“In my opinion he should be in the top three not in the top 10. Let’s see what is going to happen but we have these people. But let’s say John and Branislav are our captains and the others are ready to come,” he said.

Mikel recently ended speculation over his Chelsea future by insisting he is happy at Stamford Bridge. The 28-year-old was linked with the likes of Al Ain and Fenerbahce during the transfer window but remained with the Blues despite the interest. www.m.goal.com/s/en-ng/news/13956902

The only time mikel can b d captain is during League cup games with a second tier team. Mouh just dont want him to feel inferior.

Mourinho dey do aro?

A large number of Nigerian football supporters have spent the last 3-4 years attacking Mikel Obi. Calling him names just because he plays to the instructions of his coaches. He is a very disciplined Midfielder and this statement by Mourinho confirms Mikel quality and class. He is the Super Eagles captain-in-waiting. Mikel has performed consistently for Chelsea for close to 10 years as he has for Nigeria the last 4-5 years. I hope the insults towards this hard-working young man will NOW stop.