BY Remi Sulola
John Mikel Obi says he is open to a move away from Chelsea Football club when his contract expires in 12 months time.
Mikel, who signed officially for Chelsea on June 3, 2005 after lots of drama involving Lyn Oslo and Manchester United, admitted that he would be open to discussions with potential clubs interested in him, from January.
“I am quite relaxed about the future. Obviously, I got one year left on my contract,” Mikel told Goal.com’s Nizaar Kinsella.
“When you have a year left as a football player, you have to start planning and start thinking about what’s going to happen at the end of the season.
“Yes, there are going to be rumours; yes, there are going to be conversations between clubs.
“When you have a year left, in January, you are allowed to talk to other clubs and sign a pre-contract or have an agreement, so, yes, I will talk to other clubs because you never know what is going to happen.
“I am always open to a new conversation, a negotiation [with Chelsea], but if there’s none, the future still looks bright. One day you have to move on. I will decide where is best for me and my family.”
Mikel stated that his decision concerning a new club would have a lot to do with the well-being of his family:
“You don’t just wake up as a single man and sign wherever; it has to be good for you, the family, the kids, so it is about the package. The best decision has to be made.
“If it is going to be the Premier League there will be options. If it is China or some other places, we will see. One thing is for sure, I will make the best decision.”
Whatever happens, he said Chelsea football club would remain with him.
“I have been here a long long time; this is my home,” he said.
“I have spent 11 years of my life here in this football club. It’s my home; its where I call home. I think my memories here, my achievements here, are something that no one will ever take away from me.
“I have won everything there is to win with this football club. We were the first London club to win the Champions League, and forever I will be one of the first players to win the Champions League for Chelsea football club. Those memories will never go away.
“I can remember the night in Germany. It was absolutely crazy. Doing it for the fans. Absolutely amazing — winning trophies, the EPL, Champions league, Europa League.
“Winning the FA cup so many times. In Wembley with Lampard, Drogba, John Terry. Playing against Man United or whoever it was, winning those trophies; they’re memories that will never leave me or my family.
“Trust me, I am quite relaxed about the future and see what will happen.”
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