Mikel Insists He Is Not Being Punished By Chelsea For Representing Nigeria At Olympics

John Obi Mikel has clarified that he is not being punished by Chelsea manager Antonio Conte for representing the Dream Team at the Olympic Games, and added that comments credited to Super Eagles manager Rohr two days before the World Cup qualifier against Algeria were taken out of context.

The holding midfielder has set himself a target of winning more titles with the Blues before his exit from Stamford Bridge and assisting the Super Eagles qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

In a statement posted on Twitter, Mikel stated : “I’d like to clarify that the recent media claims that I’ve been punished by Chelsea FC for participating at the Rio 2016 Olympics are completely inaccurate.”

“Unfortunately comments made by Gernot Rohr before yesterday’s 3-1 win over Algeria were both mistranslated and taken out of context by the Nigerian media, as English isn’t Mr Rohr’s or the Nigerian media’s first language.”

The Super Eagles captain added : “To be absolutely clear, Mr Conte and Chelsea were always fully supportive of my captaincy of the Nigerian team at Rio.

“It goes without saying there is nothing but absolute respect between myself, the Nigerian national team and Chelsea FC, something that was demonstrated by Mr Rohr’s recent visit to Cobham.

“My only focus now is on winning more silverware with Chelsea and getting Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup, two challenges I can’t wait to face in the coming months.”

Mikel, 29, has not represented Chelsea in a competitive match since May 11, 2016 when he lasted 90 minutes on the pitch in their 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com