LIVE UPDATES
In a candid conversation on The Obi One Podcast, former Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo expressed his admiration for Mikel Obi's significant contributions to the club, emphasizing that the Nigerian midfielder's efforts may not have received the full appreciation they deserved from fans.
Mikel's illustrious career at Stamford Bridge spanned over a decade, during which he played a pivotal role in Chelsea's triumphs across various competitions, including the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup, and UEFA Super Cup. Notably, he was a crucial part of the squad that secured Chelsea's historic first Champions League title in 2012 under the management of Di Matteo.
Acknowledging Mikel's often understated but invaluable role in the team, Di Matteo highlighted the challenging responsibilities that come with playing the position. "The role that you played in our team is a little bit of an unsung hero role," remarked Di Matteo on the podcast. He went on to underscore that fans and critics may not fully comprehend the depth of Mikel's contributions, given the nature of the position.
Drawing parallels from his own experience playing a similar role, Di Matteo conveyed a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in Mikel's responsibilities on the field. The admiration expressed by the former Chelsea manager sheds light on the nuanced aspects of Mikel's impact, often overlooked by external observers.
Mikel Obi's remarkable achievements extend beyond his club career, with a distinguished 14-year international stint representing Nigeria. His 91 appearances and six goals during this period reflect the enduring influence he brought to both club and country.
