Mikel kicked off his professional career in 2004 with Norwegian outfit Lyn. Chelsea later scouted him two years later and brought him to their star-studded squad at Stamford Bridge.

During his 11-year stint at west London, he amassed a total of six goals and 13 assists in 372 appearances.

The 35-year-old won two Premier League titles, three FA Cup trophies, the 2007 League Cup, and the 2013 Europa League.

Mikel was also part of the Chelsea side that won the 2012 Champions League trophy.

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Obi Mikel left Chelsea in 2017 for Chinese outfit Tianjin TEDA before his return to England for Middlesbrough only two years later. He then moved to Turkey in 2019 where he won the Turkish Cup with Trabzonspor a year later.

Obi Mikel made one final comeback to England in 2020 for Stoke until his departure for Kuwait SC a year later.

The Chelsea hero had been a free agent since last November until his decision to end his career.