John Obi Mikel has officially put pen to paper on a brand new contract at Stoke City which will make his stay at the SkyBet Championship club-side for at least one more season.
Mikel made a switch to Stoke on a free transfer during the summer window of the year 2020 after he terminated his deal with Turkish Super Lig side, Trabzonspor due to coronavirus-related issues.
The former Super Eagles skipper started and finished all of the English SkyBet Championship matches which he played for Stoke during the recently-concluded 2020/21 season.
Mikel played 39 league matches with one assist and six bookings to his name but the former Chelsea midfielder failed to strike the back of the net for the Potters.
Only Harry Souttar has played more minutes in the season just finished than Mikel, who turned 34 in April and has been captain for most of the campaign.
As a result of his consistent performances in the midfield for Stoke, the English club’s management has now decided to reward the retired Nigerian international with a new contract.
Stoke wrote on their official website: “Contract extensions have been activated to retain the services of defender James Chester and midfielder John Obi Mikel.”
Potters manager, Michael O’Neill says Mikel has been a briliant signing for the club.
The key question, as it is officially confirmed he will stay for another season, is whether the former Nigeria international can help Stoke progress from mid-table to become top six contenders.
There will be no doubt about Mikel if he can reproduce the kind of performance he made in a final day win at Bournemouth, when he had two moments in particular of exceptional quality.
There was a superlative first half through ball to Rabbi Matondo and a dash of second half tight control that led to Tommy Smith’s goal.
“Brilliant,” said O’Neill post-match. “I thought he was brilliant. The (control and the) pass he plays for Rabbi Matondo in the first half too.
“I’ve just said to him in the dressing room that I hope we can get that player on loan from Chelsea again next season. Today I thought he looked every bit.
“You can see with performances like that why he was at Chelsea for such a length of time in his career. He’s been a top player who has won everything in the game.
“He’s been a brilliant signing. When we’re compact as a team we get the best of John. He’s very positive around the club, a lot of help for the young players and I’m delighted to have him.”
By Oluyemi Ogunseyin