Chelsea’s midfielder John Obi Mikel, looks set to complete a move to
join Galatasaray after publicly stating that the two sides are in
advanced talks and that he is hoping to move to the Istanbul club.
These were disclosed by a number of sources, including Turkish outlet, Sabah.
The 26-year-old battler is quoted as saying that he hopes to join his
former Blues teammate, Didier Drogba, and is looking forward to making the move to the Super Lig champions.
“I’m very pleased with Galatasaray’s offer,” Mikel told Turkish
newspaper, Sabah.
“I asked Drogba for advice and he told me that Istanbul is a fantastic
city, that Galatasaray is a huge club and that I have to make the
move.
“I have played at Chelsea for a long time and it’s now time for me to leave.
“I’m still only 26 and it’s great to receive an offer from a club
(Galatasaray) playing Champions League football and doing well in the
competition.”
Mikel added: “Talks have reached an advanced level between Chelsea and
Galatasaray. Chelsea won’t make the move difficult and regarding my
salary there won’t be a problem.
“All that is left is for the clubs to reach an agreement.”
Mikel joined Chelsea from Norwegian side, FK Lyn, in a deal said to be
worth around £21 million, back in 2006 and has gone to become a
pivotal member of the Blues squad, racking up 277 appearances for the
West London side.
The tough tackling midfielder appears to feel the time is right to
move on and has perhaps been led to believe that returning Chelsea
boss, Jose Mourinho, is looking to bring in alternative defensive
midfield options this summer.
John Obi Mikel has won a host of honours during his seven years at
Stamford Bridge, including a Premier League title, four FA Cup
triumphs, a Champions League and Europa League winners medal.
Mourinho may look to Michael Essien to take his first choice defensive
midfield spot having brought the Chelsea man to Real Madrid on a
season long loan spell last season.
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