‘Mikel going nowhere’

Midfielder John Mikel Obi will not be
leaving Chelsea, at least not during this
transfer window, according to his agent
John Shittu.
Mikel, 26, has been heavily linked with
Turkish club Galatasaray throughout the
summer, with Russian club Anzhi
Makhachkala and Italian side Napoli also
emerging as late entrants for his services.
But Shittu told KickOffNigeria that the
Nigerian is going nowhere.
File photo: Mikel celebrates his goal with
team mates
“He loves this club, the manager knows
him and likes him and he will not be
going anywhere during this transfer
window,” he insists.
Shittu admits that there had been
interests in the player, but all suitors have
been rebuffed by Chelsea and he denies
that it was ever a question of the club’s
valuation not being met.
“Some clubs came in and expressed their
interest but that is where it stopped. They
were never allowed to get to the point
where we could even begin to start talking
about valuation or negotiation.”
Shittu explains that it is down to match
fitness.
“He didn’t have a proper pre-season
because he got a couple of weeks extra
due to his Confederations Cup
participation and then an injury so he is
not fully match fit.
“When he starts playing is down to the
manager, but as soon as he gets his
match fitness back, he will be in
contention.”
With Shittu being so categorical about the
midfielder not leaving this window, there
is the suggestion that he could perhaps
leave in January.
“We cannot say what will happen in the
future. This is football and anything is
possible. But for now, he is a Chelsea
player, and is happy to remain a Chelsea
player for the rest of his career.”