Mikel was not only happy to be back at Stamford Bridge but was also delighted to catch up with some of his old friends.
Follow Us
John Mikel Obi was back at Stamford Bridge for a charity match recently. The 36-year-old returned to the stadium six-and-a-half years after leaving the club but still looked at his usual self. He was part of the Chelsea set-up that started the club’s dominance in the Premier League before they won their first Champions League crown in 2012. On that famous night, Chelsea had beaten Bayern Munich in penalties to register an unlikely title triumph.
Fast forward all those years and John Mikel Obi was this time part of the Chelsea legends side that defeated Bayern Munich legends 4-0. Mikel was not only happy to be back at Stamford Bridge but was also delighted to catch up with some of his old friends. “I think it did make up for it a little bit. When I was coming out I could feel the fans clapping and cheering. That brought some emotion out of me, coming back and playing and some of the actions that happened in the game,” he was quoted as saying by chelseafc.com.
He added: “They brought back a lot of good memories. It just felt like we were back, the old Chelsea, the way we were on the front foot. I look younger, don’t I? I am looking after myself, trying to eat right, trying to train right. I wish I knew half of the things I know now when I was still playing, I think it would have added a lot more to my game, a lot more to my career. I know more about who I am now, about myself and what gets me going. But hey, that is part of life.”
Mikel then looked back at that memorable night in 2012 when they defeated Bayern for the Champions League title. “My best-ever game. I should have won the man of the match but Didier obviously came good and saved the day. I’ve watched that game a few times since. There’s nothing better than this,’ he added as he surveyed the scene where he had just relived a career high point,” he elaborated.
“Popping the ball around, seeing JT and Petr behind us, it just brings back memories. Having Michael Essien in the middle with me, it was a joy tonight. I thought the game was really good, we played really well and got the goals. Bayern also had a few moments when they had a bit of a chance but we are Chelsea and when you play at home, you always want to win. That mentality is always there.”
Mikel almost got an assist after setting up his good friend Salomon Kalou, who was unable to find the back of the net. “Me and him, we are like twins. I love Kalou. He is an amazing guy and we have crazy, crazy banter together. We fight, we make up, and at the end of the day we absolutely love each other. After I set him up, I wanted him to score but he didn’t, but he had an amazing game so it is ok,” he stated.
More Football Stories:
David Raya to Arsenal: Why did the Spaniard choose to join the Gunners on loan?
Andre Onana to Manchester United: What is the new goalkeeper’s jersey number for 2023-24 season?
Premier League: Which players have scored the most goals in a single season?
EPL stats: Which clubs have conceded the most last-minute winners in Premier League?
EPL stats: Which clubs have scored the most number of last-minute winners in Premier League?
How long will Kevin De Bruyne be out injured? Pep Guardiola responds
