CSL: Playing in China was a tough experience for me - Mikel

John Obi Mikel at Tianjin Teda

Nigeria midfielder and captain John Obi Mikel has revealed that moving away from English side Chelsea to Chinese Super League side Tianjin Teda was a tough experience for him.


31-year old Chelsea moved from Stamford Bridge in January, 2017 as he was struggling for regular playing berth under former Boss Antonio Conte.

The Nigerian recently returned to England and signed a short-term contract with Championship side Middlesbrough after spending two years at Tianjin Text.

Having finished speaking at Middlesbrough’s training ground to a group of refugees, Mikel explained in an interview with The TelegraphUK: “It was two years of a huge culture shock.”

 “The food was a problem, the lifestyle, the style in which everything was done.

“When you have been at a club like Chelsea in the Premier League, for 11 years, it was very hard to adapt to how things were done. It isn’t at the elite level, let’s put it that way.

“The pitches were poor, stadiums are poor, and the medical facilities were not what I was used to. I’m not saying it’s all the Chinese clubs, some of them are quite professional, but the one I was at, it wasn’t as professional as it should have been. It became tough for me almost straight away.

“I wouldn’t say I regretted it, I had a good time with my team-mates, but it was never easy. The standard of football, it’s not even Championship standard. I realised that very quickly. It’s a league that wants to grow, they are putting a lot of money in, but it is a long way behind.

“As a life experience, I enjoyed it. Professionally, it was tough, but I had some good times. It was a nice city and the people I met at the club were great. But it was definitely the right time for me to come back and play at a higher level again. I knew I was going to leave, probably after a year.”

“I certainly wouldn’t say to anyone under the age of 30 to go there. They will regret it if they do.

“You should wait until you are approaching the end of your career. The money makes the move tempting, we’re only human, but do not be tempted by the size of the cheque if you are in the prime of your career. It’s not worth it.”
CompleteSports