Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, has claimed he had to sign for Chelsea in 2006, because the futures of 3 other Nigerian players were tied to the deal.
Mikel spent 11 trophy-laden years at Stamford Bridge after signing from Norwegian club, Lyn Oslo.
However, the transfer was entangled in controversy, as he had first signed for Manchester United.
Mikel Obi then claimed he was forced to place pen to paper for the Red Devils.
This led to a legal battle between Lyn Oslo, Man Utd and Chelsea, while FIFA also intervened.
At the end, Mikel Obi eventually signed for Chelsea, who paid a compensation fee of £12m to Manchester United and £4m to Lyn.
During that time, three of Mikel Obi’s teammates at U-20 level, Chinedu Obasi, Emmanuel Sarki and Ezekiel Bala, were also undergoing trials at Stamford Bridge.
Mikel Obi told The Athletic: “When I chose Chelsea, it wasn’t just my life that changed.
“There were four lives that changed. Why? Because if I didn’t, Chelsea won’t have anything to try and do with my three friends. i used to be near them. I knew their families.
“I didn’t just make the choice for myself. I feel for them about them and their families. This gave them more of an opportunity.”
