Mikel quits Turkish side in fear of Corona pandemic
Istanbul, Wednesday
Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has departed Trabzonspor just days after criticising the Turkish football authorities for not suspending the season despite the spread of coronavirus.
The ex-Nigerian international only joined the club as a free agent last summer, having penned a two-year deal, but has now parted ways with the Super Lig outfit by mutual consent.
Mikel stated that he did not feel comfortable continuing to play during the pandemic, and will give up his remaining wages in order to become a free agent.
The 32-year-old, who enjoyed a successful 11-year spell in the Premier League, played a crucial role for Trabzonspor this campaign, and had struggled to settle after leaving Chelsea in 2017.
Mikel’s contract would have expired next year had he opted to remain in Turkey.
Last Saturday, the star hit out at the decision to allow the domestic season to continue despite action being halted across the continent in the wake of the ongoing health crisis. His statement read: ‘There is more to life than football. I do not feel comfortable and don’t want to play football in this situation. Everyone should be home with their families and loved ones at this critical time. Season should be cancelled as the world is facing such turbulent times.’
The comments came ahead of Trabzonsport’s clash with Istanbul Basaksehir, in which Mikel eventually failed to feature amid reports the midfielder will return home to his family in the UK.
With fixtures still being contested in the Super Lig, the Turkish government confirmed all football matches in the country will take place behind closed doors until the end of April. -AFP
