Skip to main content

Antonio Conte’s Treatment of John Obi Mikel Was Worse than what Diego Costa Has Had to Suffer, Claims Ex-Chelsea Player

Diego Costa has got off lightly compared to the treatment John Obi Mikel was subjected to by Antonio Conte, according to ex-Chelsea player Emmanuel Sarki. The Spain international striker is currently in his native Brazil having been exiled by his manager following a bust-up last January.

Costa is not the only member of Chelsea’s 2014/15 title-winning squad to experience Conte’s ruthless streak, however, with Sarki claiming the long-serving Mikel paid the price for his loyalty to Nigeria.

Sarki, who began his career at Stamford Bridge before moving to the likes of Westerloo and Wisla Krakow, revealed the former Juventus boss froze Mikel out after he decided to represent his country at the Rio Olympics, even refusing him the chance to play for the Under-23s in a bid to build up his fitness.

‘I was told how Conte treated Mikel after his decision to represent Nigeria at the Rio 2016 Olympics. He was granted permission to go by Conte under one condition, which was you might not get a look in upon your return,’ Sarki told Owngoalnigeria.com.

‘Mikel was told by the same man who granted him permission to represent Nigeria at the Olympics upon his return that his services weren’t needed anymore.

‘Even when the coach of the national team of Nigeria (Gernot Rohr) pleaded for Mikel to be allowed to play Under-23 games to build up his fitness, Conte still didn’t budge. How painful he didn’t give Mikel the chance to say goodbye to fans who have stood by him for ten and half seasons.

‘Costa’s case is mild to be honest, Mikel went through worse but never said or acted wild as he is someone who doesn’t talk much and hardly react negatively to issues.’

Mikel, who made 249 Premier League appearances for Chelsea between 2006 and 2017, was sold to Chinese Super League side Tianjin TEDA FC back in January.

Credit: Metro

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Juventus Manager Allegri Signs Contract Extension Untill 2020

Massimiliano Allegri has signed a new contract with Juventus, keeping him with the Serie A side until 2020, the Turin outfit have confirmed. The 49-year-old will remain at Juventus Stadium for another three seasons, having guided the Old Lady to a third successive domestic double. Allegri helped Juve win the Serie A and Copa Italia titles this season, and guided them to the Champions League final. Since taking over at Juventus Stadium in 2014, he has won the domestic double each season and has a 69 per cent winning rate. The former midfielder had been linked with a move to Arsenal before Arsene Wenger agreed a new two-year deal, but will now remain in Turin until the end of the 2019-20 season. In a statement, Juventus said: "Juventus is pleased to announce that Massimiliano Allegri has signed a contract renewal at the club until 2020. "Today's agreement extends a working relationship that has seen the Bianconeri consolidate their position as Italy's...

Real Madrid Left Back Marcelo Ruled Out for One Month while Toni Kroos will Miss Real Madrid's trip to Alaves

Real Madrid star Toni Kroos is set join Marcelo in the treatment room when Los Blancos visit Alaves on Saturday (23 September) after suffering a rib injury. The news is a fresh concern for Zinedine Zidane as Karim Benzema, Theo Hernandez, Jesus Vallejo and Mateo Kovacic are also ruled out for the visit to Mendizorroza due to various injuries. Kroos, 27, missed the last weekend's 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad due to a fitness problem. The Germany international returned to Zidane's starting line-up for Wednesday's 1-0 defeat to Real Betis and was able to complete the full 90 minutes. However, it looks like Kroos suffered a recurrence of the problem in that game after Real Madrid revealed on Friday morning that the midfielder skipped the final training session before Los Blancos' trip to Vitoria. Zidane himself later confirmed the blow in a press conference, adding that he expects the midfielder to recover in time for the crucial Champions League trip t...

Tottenham Close to Completing £23m Serge Aurier Transfer

Tottenham are closing in on a £23million move for Paris Saint-Germain defender Serge Aurier. The Ivory Coast international has been free to leave the French giants following the arrival of Dani Alves to the club. Aurier, 24, has been heavily linked with Manchester United and Chelsea but Spurs have shown the firmest interest in the right-back. Mauricio Pochettino sanctioned Kyle Walker’s £50million move to Manchester City on the basis that Kieran Trippier had shown he was a worthy replacement towards the end of last season. However, the Argentine wants greater strength in depth and the Evening Standard claim Spurs are close to a £23m deal and Aurier will sign a five-year deal. Aurier was denied entry into the UK last October for Paris Saint-Germain’s clash with Arsenal because he was found guilty of elbowing a police offer a month earlier. The ban is still in place but Aurier is currently contesting the charge and Spurs are clearly confident that he will win his case....