₦airaland Forum

The 37-year-old has spoken in several interviews about the special relationship between him and the current Fenerbahce manager.

According to the former Super Eagles star, Mourinho didn't only influence his life on the pitch but off it as well.

Speaking on his Obi One podcast, Mikel named 'The Special One' as the manager who had a significant impact on his career.

He further disclosed that Mourinho was even interested in how he spent his salary.

"He always asks me, what did you do with your salary? Did you put it in the bank? Did you buy a house?" Mikel said.


"He was always trying to find out what I was doing, and for me, he made sure I kept my feet on the ground. I was always humble and respectful."


Mikel also mentioned an instance where the manager asked him to return the Range Rover he bought with his first salary at Chelsea.

"I remember when I joined the club, I got my first salary and went and bought a Range Rover," he recalled.


"He saw it and told me to return it. He told me to get a mini."

Mikel Obi joined Chelsea in 2006 when Mourinho was at the helm at Stamford Bridge.

He went on to play for 11 seasons at the club, winning two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, the UEFA Champions League, and the Europa League.

Edygrin:
Former Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi has shared interesting insights on his relationship with veteran Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho.


https://www.torizone.com/posts/2025/01/155991-jose-mourinho-told-return-range-rover-bought-chelsea-salary-mikel

maasoap:
What is the essence of having too much money but still can't spend decently on yourself? How would you even be able to assist people around you when you, yourself can't even spend it on yourself? Sorry, I don't see any moral lesson in there. I'm not a fan of wasteful spending but millionaires in dollars using "cheap and mid luxury cars", what is the lesson? At the end of the day, they would name cat or dog as their heir

maasoap:
Like I said, I'm not a fan of wasteful spending. So, having too many cars is out of the question but a CEO of large company or a dollar millionaire shouldn't be frugal to the extent of using "using cheap and mid luxury car" because of the so called tax. Some things just don't make sense. One or three needed decent cars for your family use and their taxes can't definitely can't bankrupt you if you have such money

Sheuns:


If a coach tells some players of now, they’ll go on instagram live to insult the coach.

Yampotatocarrot:
Mehn, player no go fit misbehave under Mourinho be that o

On a side note, Mikel has been talking a lot of late, is there any financial reward attached to this podcast stuff, or is that his own way of preserving his mental health (therapy)?

Sheuns:


If a coach tells some players of now, they’ll go on instagram live to insult the coach.

CodeTemplar:
He spoke well. See the kids now. All they do is hairstyle and clubbing.

Sheuns:


If a coach tells some players of now, they’ll go on instagram live to insult the coach.

Mitsurugi:
Mourinho has always been a father figure. Wenger, Ferguson, Ancelotti. I don't know about the present lot