Nigerian Captain, Mikel Obi has expressed his desire to quit Premier League giants, Chelsea in January as he is no longer happy with the team.
Mikel complained about his efforts in the club and constant contributions in other to make them achieve their purpose but all that has been overlooked by the club’s manager, Antonio Conte.
The 29-year-old footballer said he has been training constantly and putting in a lot of hardwork, but so far has not been appreciated in the club hence the need to search for a new team in January.
Mikel, who led Super Eagles to a 3-1 victory against Algeria’s Desert Foxes in their Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier, seems to be having a hard time at his club after he participated in the Rio Olympics Games, where he led the Nigerian under 23 team to win bronze in the competition.
It has been suggested that Conte decided to freeze the South Africa 2013 African Cup of Nations winner out of first-team contention because of his participation.
But the Blues’ second longest-serving player behind captain John Terry, says he has no regrets over his decision, saying he is ready to leave the team in January.
“Yes, maybe people will say the new manager was upset I left and went to the Olympics, that I didn’t have a pre-season with the team,” he said
“He (Conte) probably thinks I don’t care about the team, things like that.
“But I don’t want to use those excuses. I have to keep training hard and make sure I change the manager’s mind. If not, then we’ll see what happens in January.”
Mikel added, “But, no, I would never swap my Olympic medal for a place back in the Chelsea team.
“One thing you have to do in life as a man is that when you make a decision, or a sacrifice, you have to deal with it.
“You have to stand by your decision. You have to live with it.
“I have not one single regret in going to the Olympics. And I will not trade my medal for anything.”
Mikel also denied reports by the media that he was being punished by Conte for going against his wish to participate in the Olympics competition.
“I’d like to clarify that the recent media claims I’ve been punished by Chelsea for participating at the Rio 2016 Olympics are completely inaccurate,” he said.
The football star also indicated interest to continue playing for the big team Chelsea if things get better between him and the Manager.
