Super Eagles skipper, Mikel Obi, might not be in the most loved football leagues in the world but it appears the 29-year-old is more than happy in China.
Mikel joined Tianjin TEDA early in January after a decade and half in Chelsea where despite all his achievements wasn’t still highly regarded by some section of the fans.
However, barely two weeks since signing for TEDA, the Nigerian is already being treated like a king.
Aside from his astronomical wage, here are four other reasons.
- Handed is club’s captain armband
Mikel has been made TEDA’s captain by the club’s new manager, Jamie Pacheco.
“I do not think there is a lot of difference in the level of coaches now,” the Nigerian said about his new boss. “I think (Jamie) Pacheco is a high-level coach, and he was a very good player.”
- Famous no 12 jersey retired
Another unbelievable way TEDA has honoured Mikel was to retire the no 12 jersey he wore throughout his time at Stamford Bridge. What this means is that no other player will don that same number again.
- Handed treasured no 10
Mikel probably went for no 12 at Chelsea because there were lots of senior players at the club at that time. Otherwise, the talismanic midfielder would certainly have preferred the no 10 which was handed to him on a platter in China.
- Free role in midfield
Mikel, as we all know, prefers to play a bit higher up the field just as he does for the Super Eagles and not the defensive role he played at Chelsea. However, the 29-year-old has thus far been used in his favoured role since he joined TEDA.
