Mikel credits Chelsea's success story to Abramovich

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has lauded the club's previous owner, Roman Abramovich, for the profound care and personal support he extended to everyone at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking on his podcast, "The Obi One," the former Nigerian international recounted a particularly harrowing experience when his father was kidnapped in Nigeria, and detailed Abramovich's immediate and decisive response.

"Roman was the guy. He cared about everyone; players, fans as well," Mikel said.

He added, "I remember when my dad got kidnapped and I got a phone call from him."

Mikel shared the details of their conversation, highlighting the owner's concern.

"He just cared and spoke to me: 'Mikel what do you need, do you need anything, do you know how you can get your dad back?' I said: 'I don't know I haven't spoken to the kidnappers yet'."

Abramovich then made a remarkable offer. "He said: 'OK, listen, with your permission, give me 24 hours, I will go and bring your dad back home'," Mikel recalled. "And I was thinking... he's in Nigeria, you don't know where he is, how will you get him back? And he was like 'don't worry, I'll get him back'."

For Mikel, this gesture was a powerful demonstration of Abramovich's commitment.

"It was just that standard of how he loved the players, his players, and the football club," he explained.

The former player credited Abramovich for transforming the club's stature.

"Who we are today is because of Roman, we are Chelsea Football Club. We've won so many trophies, we are one of the biggest clubs in the world now, and it's all down to Roman Abramovich."