Mikel Obi announces retirement

Ex-Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has announced his retirement from football after a trophy-laden career.

Obi, who played a key role as Chelsea FC secured a first Champions League trophy in 2012, made the announcement on Instagram having most recently been with Kuwait SC.

“There is a saying that ‘all good things must come to an end’, and for my professional football career, that day is today,” the 35-year-old wrote.

“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.”

Obi encouraged those he may have inspired never to give up on their dreams.

“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,” he added.

The midfielder won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, Europa League, the AFCON, among others.

In recent years, Obi played for Middlesbrough and Stoke City in the English Championship.

He rose to prominence representing Nigeria at the 2005 FIFA U-17 FIFA World Cup in the Netherlands as the Flying Eagles finished second to a Lionel Messi-led Argentina side.