Departing Nigerian midfielder, John Obi Mikel is not a Chelsea legend, but do not underappreciate his achievements at Stamford Bridge.
Mikel announced on Twitter on Friday morning that he would leave the club to join the rising Chinese Super League, after spending more than a decade at Stamford Bridge.
The announcement brought up a heated debate among Chelsea supporters, whether or not Mikel should be classed as a ‘Chelsea legend’? The short answer to that is no.
He joined the club in 2006 and has been a mainstay in the Chelsea squad during his time at the club, but for the large part of his career at Stamford Bridge, he’s been given a bit-part role, used mainly as a substitute.
Over the years, he played under several managers, all of whom have taken different stances on the Nigerian, where he’s been on the end of more or less game time, varying under each manager.
His time under Jose Mourinho springs to mind, Mikel was clearly used as a battering ram towards the end of games when Chelsea needed to defend a lead. Mirroring what he is currently using Marouane Fellaini as at Old Trafford.
The word ‘legend’ gets thrown around all too easily in this modern era of the game, but the true definition of the word is as followed: ‘An extremely famous or notorious person, especially in a particular field’.
A popular figure at Stamford Bridge he may be, but at no point during his Chelsea career, has he become a key member of the Blues’ midfield. He may not be considered a legend, but do not underestimate his achievements during his time with the club.
To call Mikel a legend, you’re branding him in the same class as the likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Gianfranco Zola, going back further, Kerry Dixon, Bobby Tambling, Peter Osgood and Ron Harris. There is a host of names you can reel off in a list, who have all played a key role in evolving the club into what it is in this current day and age.
In both of his spells at Mourinho decided to build his team around Terry, during his first spell at Stamford Bridge, Lampard was the heartbeat of everything that Chelsea did so well.
This has never been the case for Mikel. What he has achieved, by staying at one club for this period of time, with a particular role that he has always been well aware of, is a credit to him and his ability.
During his time at Stamford Bridge, he has won two Premier League trophies, four FA Cups, two League Cups, the Champions League, Europa League and the Community Shield, all there is to win.
Mikel is no ordinary player, that much is clear, but to say he is a club legend, would be a clear example of how the word is thrown around all too easily.
He’s had a fantastic career at Stamford Bridge, one of the likes we may never see again, for a player to stay at one club for over a decade. He’s had some unforgettable moments, his performances in the 2012 Champions League campaign stand out, the brilliant back heel at Goodison Park. Playing for the club in 2011, knowing full well that his father had been kidnapped his in native Nigeria.
Mikel has been a hugely popular figure at Stamford Bridge and leaves the club in a perfect moment of his career, he won’t be forgotten and will still be adored by many Chelsea fans, but remember the aforementioned list of names before you class every fan favourite as a legend.
