Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has revealed why the club’s former manager, Jose Mourinho, left Stamford Bridge.
Mikel typically plays as an attacking midfielder in his early career, both for club and country.
During their time at Chelsea, however, the former Super Eagles captain was forced to play in the defensive midfield role under Mourinho.
Under Mourinho, who is known for his strict management style, the 35-year-old made 119 appearances.
Mikel told Nigerian radio station Naija FM 102.7 in Lagos that Mourinho converted him to a defensive midfielder because he wanted him to replace Claude Makelele.
He said: “Mourinho decided that he wanted me to play a defensive midfield position. At the end of the day, he is the coach and will make decisions.
“So we discussed and he felt that because of the big players he had then in his squad at Chelsea so he decided that I should play the defensive midfield role.
“And also Makelele was just finishing his career at Chelsea, so Mourinho wanted me to take over from Makelele at that time.”
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