Former Chelsea Player John Obi Mikel has mutually terminated his contract at Trabzonspor just days after he criticised the Turkish football authorities for not suspending the season despite the coronavirus outbreak, MySportDab reports.
The Nigerian only joined the Trabzonspor as a free agent last summer, having signed a two-year contract, but has now parted ways with the Super Lig club by mutual consent.
Mikel stated he felt uncomfortable playing football during the pandemic, and has given up his remaining wages to become a free agent.
32-year-old Mikel Obi enjoyed a successful 11-year career in the Premier League, played a key role for Trabzonspor this season and had struggled to stay at any club after leaving Chelsea in 2017.
MySportDab understands Mikel’s Trabzonspor contract would have expired in 2021 had he opted to stay in Turkey.
Last weekend, The Nigerian blasted the decision to allow the season to continue despite football being halted across the world the wake of the ongoing health crisis.
He wrote: ‘There is alot more important to life than football. I don’t feel comfortable and don’t want to play football in such a situation. We all should be at home with their families and loved ones at this tough time. Season should be suspended or cancelled as the world is facing such difficult times.’
This statement came ahead of Trabzonsport’s Match against Istanbul Basaksehir, in which Mikel later failed to play amid reports the midfielder will be back in the UK with his family.
With matches still being played in the Super Lig, the Turkish government confirmed all football matches will henceforth be played behind closed doors until the end of April.
Former AS Monaco star and Galatasaray striker Radamel Falcao has offered his support to Mikel after the social media post and said ‘life is alot more important than football.’
Sports Action has come to a halt across Europe’s top five leagues to help prevent the spread of the deadly virus, with the domestic season in Turkey controversially breaking ranks.
