John Obi Mikel, Chelsea midfielder might join US MLS
John Obi Mikel – Chelsea talented Nigerian midfielder is interested in reuniting with former club teammate Frank Lampard in the United States, the report says.
Lampard, left Chelsea since 2014, plays for MLS in United States and scoring 12 goals this season, and has joined last season for NYCFC. Mikel is now the second longest-serving player at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea captain John Terry.
“I may go over there and play with him or play against him,” Mikel, 29, said to the reports of Goal.
Mikel could very well be looking at a departure from London. He hasn’t played under new coach Antonio Conte, and the team brought in N’Golo Kante to be their starting central defensive midfielder, signing him from Leicester City.
At 29, Mikel still has a few high-level years ahead of him and would be a big signing for MLS. He doesn’t have the big name, but huge ability and could easily be one of the best players in the league and sure up any team’s midfield.
Despite his seniority, Mikel hasn’t featured yet for Chelsea this season and, after he was left out of the League Cup victory against Leicester City, he admitted that he will struggle for starts this season.
“I know it is going to be difficult for me to get back into the team because I have missed the whole pre-season,” added Mikel. “The manager obviously has his philosophy of the way he wants to play and I need time to get back into the way in the way he wants to do things.
“It will be difficult, but it is one challenge that I am looking forward to. Like everyone knows I don’t run away from a challenge.
“I have been at Chelsea for 11 years now, the first day I came I was fighting for my place and I am still fighting for my position. It is remarkable at the end of the day how you fight and you still end up coming out victorious and I will keep fighting for my position and hopefully I will get back into the team.
