Audio By Carbonatix
John Mikel Obi is set to move to Galatasaray and says he is confident that the Turkish side will agree a deal with Chelsea over a transfer fee.
The Nigerian midfielder asked former Blues striker Didier Drogba for advice about moving to the club.
Mikel says he has spent a long time at Chelsea and is looking forward to life in Istanbul.
'I'm very pleased with Galatasaray's offer,' Mikel told Sabah, a daily Turkish newspaper
'I asked Drogba for advice and he told me that Istanbul is a fantastic city, that Galatasaray is a huge club and that I have to make the move.
'I have played at Chelsea for a long time and it's now time for me to leave.
'I'm still only 26 and it's great to receive an offer from a club (Galatasaray) playing Champions League football and doing well in the competition.'
He continued: 'Talks have reached an advanced level between Chelsea and Galatasaray. Chelsea won't make the move difficult and regarding my salary there won't be a problem.
'All that is left is for the clubs to reach an agreement.'
Mikel was a player who split opinions among fans - some hailed him for his defensive aptitude and performances in big games while others chastised him for his lack of attacking nous.
Jose Mourinho signed him in 2006 after a protracted transfer saga which saw him on the brink of a move to Manchester United - it even progressed to the point he was pictured in their shirt at a press conference.
FIFA ordered he move back to his side Lyn Oslo while the matter was resolved - but instead of letting the world football governing body settle the dispute, Chelsea decided to deal directly with United and the Norwegian side.
They eventually settled on a £16million fee - £12m to United and £4m to Lyn.
Signed as an attacking midfielder but thrown into Chelsea's first-team at the age of 19 by Mourinho, Mikel has matured in a defensive role in the seven years since.
Arguably his greatest performance came in the 2012 Champions League final which saw Chelsea beat Bayern Munich in the Allianz Arena.
During his time at Chelsea he won the Premier League, the FA Cup four times, the League Cup, the Europa League and the Champions League.
R
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
COCOBOD dismisses claims of international market exclusion, defends $1.4bn domestic financing shift
2 minutes -
Richmond Quarcoo appointed Ghana’s Chef de Mission for 2028 Olympics
37 minutes -
‘Our missing players are more important’ – Gambia coach fires shot at Ghana
2 hours -
Today’s front pages: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
2 hours -
Ghana ‘showing up differently’ on global stage – Joyce Bawah Mogtari
2 hours -
Ghana’s tuna industry in crisis as 20 hook-and-line vessels collapse
3 hours -
South Tongu MP launches apprenticeship programme for 159 young people
3 hours -
The Pusiga connection behind Gertrude Atongi’s work in New York
4 hours -
Teachers took promotion exams in December to beat government clearance deadline – GNAT
4 hours -
NPA launches 2026 staff welfare week with focus on teamwork and employee wellbeing
4 hours -
Ghana, Saint Kitts and Nevis sign labour deal to strengthen protections for Ghanaian nurses
4 hours -
Delayed promotions put teachers’ retirement benefits at risk – GNAT
4 hours -
No ‘Bawumia candidates’ in NPP executive elections – Anthony Karbo
4 hours -
Over 3,000 displaced as flooding overwhelms Hohoe communities
4 hours -
Sunyani East NPP executives begin reconciliation drive ahead of 2028 polls
4 hours