John Mikel Obi, happens to be Chelsea's second-longest-serving player, behind English International, John Terry and had just six months left on his contract at Stamford Bridge, before announcing his departure from the club to Tianjin TEDA of China.
Ahead of his departure, the Super Eagles captain decided to write a heartfelt letter to Chelsea fans all over the world after serving for 11 great years.
This move to the Chinese Super league will see the 29-year-old earn a whooping £140,000-per-week with Tianjin TEDA, making him the highest paid Nigerian footballer on the globe.
Transfer rumors placed Spanish-based Valencia as favourites to get the services of John Mikel Obi, but with this recent development, it seems that the Chinese super league has yet again proven to be a power house in the transfer market. Nigerian football fans will now be watching with keen interest to see if Mikel remains a regular for the Super Eagles, considering the fact that the Chinese super league is not rated as a top league in the world of football.
John Mikel Obi's letter to Blues supporters and staff:
"I say goodbye as a Champion of England, a Champion of Europe and proud captain of my national team.
"To play in the Premier League, the best league in the world, is every professional's ambition. But to play for Chelsea, to become part of the Chelsea family, to work with some of the best managers and players in the world, has truly been an honour."
He thinks back to some of his best moments in a Chelsea shirt, before going on to thank the staff at Stamford Bridge and everyone who supported him throughout his stay at the London club.
"None of this would have been possible without the wider club's support. to Mr Abramovic, the club's staff, coaches, physios, and to the managers I played under at Chelsea, I want to say thank you,".
"But my biggest thanks must go to the Blues fans. You brought me into the Chelsea family, you sung my name, and were there with us every step of the way. Thanks to your support, on nights like in Munich, you made the impossible possible."
Mikel, who will be joining his former Chelsea team-mate, Oscar, in the Chinese super league, then concluded with emotional words to the English Premier League leaders.
"To everyone at Chelsea - goodbye and thank you. You will always be part of who I am, and I wish you the best of luck. I could not be happier to be saying goodbye with the club back where it belongs - top of the league.
"Keep the blue flag flying high!"
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