Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has retired from professional football after a 20-year professional career.
As a youngster, Mikel represented Nigeria at all youth levels.
Mikel rose to prominence representing Nigeria at the 2005 FIFA U-17 FIFA World Cup in the Netherlands at the Flying Eagles finished second to a Lionel Messi-led Argentina side.
Obi Mikel took to Instagram to state his decision to hang up his boots with a photo of his 18-year career’s biggest highlights and a lengthy statement.
The legendary midfielder’s message read: “There is a saying that “all good things must come to an end”, and for my professional football career, that day is today.
“I look back at the past 20 years of my career, and I must say that I am very satisfied with all that I was able to achieve and more importantly the human it has helped shape.
“All of this would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, managers, clubs, coaches, teammates and most importantly my ever-loyal fans.
“You supported me through my highs and lows, even on days that I did not live up to your expectations. I say a big thank you.
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“I will also like to encourage everyone who I may have inspired one way or the other in the course of my career to never give up on their dreams, for every time you think about quitting, remind yourself why you started.
“This is not goodbye, it’s the start of another journey, another chapter of my life. I look forward to what the future holds and I hope you will walk with me. Thank you.”
