'He really wanted to come' - Mikel reveals the truth behind Osimhen's failed deadline move to Chelsea

2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner John Obi Mikel has revealed the truth behind Victor Osimhen's failed move to Chelsea on transfer deadline day in England, saying the center forward  was disappointed that the move did not materialize.

The west London based club pushed hard to sign the Nigerian striker but were unable to get a deal done before the end of the transfer window on August 30th.

They had long retained an interest in the 25-year-old, who they had identified as one of the players to fortify their attack, but struggled to get a deal done but could try to get him in the future.

Osimhen had long declared his interest to play in the Premier League and must have been disappointed not to have been able to move to Stamford Bridge as confirmed by Mikel.

Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, the former Blues midfielder disclosed the reigning African Men's Player of the Year regret in joining his former club and how he has been able to assist him to overcome the setbacks.

"He really wanted to come to the club and you know was disappointed it didn't happen. I think I spoke to him as soon as the transfer window shut," Mikel said.

"I gave him a call and we spent about 20 minutes talking. I was just like you know listen, I am always here for you.

"You need to keep your head down, you need to keep working hard and keep training .I know it is not the best situation right now what has happened but I know you are strong.

"Victor is a strong character, he is a bit like Didier Drogba and Diego Costa and that is something we are missing at the club.

"You know strikers who have that edge, who have that little bite that can intimidate defenders and Victor definitely has that.

"I said to him, listen just keep working hard, keep your head down and keep training and keep working hard, enjoy your time with your family and just make sure that when the time comes again that you are ready and you know a lot has happened since then."

Having been frozen out of the Napoli squad, the 25-year-old had to jump at the opportunity of joining Galatasaray when the Turkish club expressed interest in securing his signature on a loan deal.

He completed a move to the defending Süper Lig champions last week and that informed the reason for his late arrival in the Super Eagles squad for the AFCON qualifiers.

The 2023 Ballon d'Or nominee was on the scoresheet when Nigeria defeated Benin on Saturday and will be seeking to do the same against Rwanda tomorrow.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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