Chelsea were in a tussle with Manchester United over the Nigerian’s signature.

Mikel had put pen-to-paper at Old Trafford - but he ended up signing for the Blues after a year-long tussle.

A meeting with the Premier League’s Sir Dave Richards helped to resolve the issue.

But Abromavich still went to the most extreme lengths to make sure the deal was completed in his favour.

“He (Sir Dave Richards) offered to help me,” recalls Mikel.

GETTY
John Obi Mikel wanted to play under Jose Mourinho rather than of Alex Ferguson.
How Chelsea could look after the January transfer window
Wed, November 8, 2017
Is this how Chelsea could look after the January transfer window?




PLAY

GETTY IMAGES1 of 18
GK – Thibaut Courtois [Getty Images]


I started in one car, then the drivers would talk to each other and suddenly I was dropped off and then picked up by another car.

John Obi Mikel reflecting on when he joined Chelsea.
“He told me it was making enemies between the two big clubs.

“I told him I wanted to play for Chelsea and he said he would help resolve it. Then I had a secret meeting with Mourinho at his house.

“Roman Abramovich organised six cars to get me there. It was like a military operation.

“I started in one car, then the drivers would talk to each other and suddenly I was dropped off and then picked up by another car.

GETTY
Mikel went on to captain his country while at Chelsea.
“Once there, Jose told me: ‘The boss really wants you. I’ll play you and make you what you want to be’.

“That really helped as there were times when I thought: ‘Have I made the right decision?’.”

Mikel went on to win everything possible during his 11 years at Stamford Bridge.

The 30-year-old’s trophy cabinet boasts a Champions League, Europa League, two Premier League, four FA Cup and two League Cup medals.
http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/877309/Chelsea-news-Roman-Abramovich-Man

Mynd44
Seun...