Super Eagles skipper, Mikel Obi, is almost certain to leave Chelsea at the end of the current Premier League season.
The 29-year-old has not featured in a single match for the Blues this season, having been surpassed in the midfield pecking order by summer signing, N’Golo Kante, and academy graduate, Nathaniel Chalobah.
His expected summer exit from Stamford Bridge was further affirmed by Nigeria coach, Gernot Rohr, at the weekend.
“I saw Mikel in London,” Rohr told Europe 1.
“He is in advanced discussions with Olympique Marseille. He will leave Chelsea for free, this is a serious option.”
What this means is that the former Lyn of Norway man will swap the Premier League for French Ligue 1.
We highlight five reasons the French giants will be perfect for the Nigerian.
- Regular playing time
Mikel’s sole intention of seeking an exit from Chelsea is due to his lack of playing time at the club. Marseille on the other hand will most likely guarantee the Nigerian a starting berth especially with Rudi Garcia’s team struggling at the moment in the league.
- Rich history of the club
Marseille are undoubtedly one of Europe’s top teams with probably superior history to Chelsea. Formed in 1899, the club are the third oldest in France and have spent most of their history in the top tier of French football.
- The city
Marseille is to France as what Manchester is to England. The ancient city is the country’s second largest after Paris and the third-largest metropolitan area after Paris and Lyon. The city known as European Capital of Culture, has the largest port for commerce, freight and cruise ships in the country.
- Most decorated French team
With over 30 titles, Marseille are unarguably France most successful club side. OM have won 10 league titles, five more than Chelsea and three more domestic cups than the Blues. The French side just like their English counterparts have won the UEFA Champions League, theirs coming in 1993.
- Highest fan base in France
Marseille boast the biggest fan base in France having regularly averaged the highest all-time attendance. The club’s home ground, Stade Vélodrome, has a capacity of 60,000 which is an upgrade to Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge with about 20,000 less. The club is ranked 16th globally in terms of annual revenue, generating €135.7 million.
