Mikel Obi: Super Eagles legend unveils new version of Chelsea vs Manchester United saga
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Former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel has shared a new version of his story about the controversial transfer saga between Manchester United and Chelsea.
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Mikel made his thoughts known in details on "The Rest Is Football podcast with England legend Gary Lineker.
Mikel Obi on Chelsea vs Manchester United
Mikel explained the situation in 2006 about of one football's most high-profile transfer disputes.
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Mikel began by recounting how he was initially set to join Manchester United before the situation with Chelsea.
He stated that Manchester United's legendary manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, and key players like Roy Keane showed keen interest in him.
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He then explained that complications arose due to his age as he was under 18 at the time.
Mikel explained that United decided to send him back home to Nigeria until he reached the legal age to sign a professional contract.
"Fergie started looking for me cause he didn't know where I was!" 😱
— The Rest Is Football (@RestIsFootball) August 5, 2025
Someone needs to turn this into a 5 part drama series pronto 😂 pic.twitter.com/g312IkWZt1
There were with plans to apply for a special visa later and he was to return.
However, an agent contacted Mikel informing him of Chelsea's interest.
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Despite the initial agreement with Manchester United, Chelsea's persistence led Mikel to have a conversation which eventually led to his loan spell in Norway at Lyn Oslo.
Mikel then discussed that the final decision came to wanting to play for a young manager like Jose Mourinho and Chelsea were on the come up.
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