Chelsea legend John Terry has made a bold claim about his former teammate, John Obi Mikel, stating that the Nigerian midfielder could still fit into any Premier League side, despite retiring three years ago. Terry, who played alongside Mikel at Chelsea from 2006 to 2017, praised his former teammate’s exceptional skills and work rate.
“He was brilliant,” said Terry in an interview with talkSport. “To have him in front of me playing was brilliant. He covered so much ground. I still play in ex-Legends games now and stuff, and he can still play. He could still play in the Premier League today. He had it all, didn’t he?”
Terry’s comments highlight Mikel’s impressive career, which saw him play a crucial role in Chelsea’s success during his 11-year stint at the club. The Nigerian midfielder made 372 appearances for the Blues, scoring six goals and providing 12 assists. He also lifted numerous major trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League.
Mikel’s ability to control the tempo of the game and provide defensive cover was often underrated, according to Terry. “Those holding midfielders like Makelele get recognised,” said Terry. “There are certain players in that role that don’t get the credit they deserve. And Obi was one of them.”
The duo’s on-field partnership was instrumental in Chelsea’s success, with Terry and Mikel sharing the Stamford Bridge pitch in 266 games, playing over 17,000 minutes together. Their partnership was built on trust, understanding, and a deep respect for each other’s abilities.
Mikel’s retirement from professional football in 2021 marked the end of an illustrious career, but Terry’s comments suggest that the Nigerian midfielder still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. While it remains to be seen whether Mikel will make a surprise return to the EPL, his legacy as one of Chelsea’s greatest midfielders remains intact.