Mikel Obi: Sir Alex Ferguson begged me to stay but my mind was fixed on Jose Mourinho and Chelsea
Ex-Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel says Sir Alex Ferguson was furious when he informed him he was not joining Manchester United after a stunning u-turn in 2006.
The Nigerian midfielder spent time on trial at Old Trafford and United struck a deal with Norwegian side Lyn to take him to the Theatre of Dreams.
Mikel even appeared with a United shirt in a press conference but he had a last-minute change of heart and opted to join Chelsea instead. The 30-year-old spent nine years at Stamford Bridge, winning two league titles, four FA Cups and a Champions League.
Mikel had to inform Ferguson of his decision and he says the legendary Scot told him he would regret not moving to United.
‘It was surreal,’ Mikel told The Sun. ‘I was at school but had Chelsea and Manchester United — two of the world’s biggest clubs — trying to sign me. I’ll never forget that second meeting with Sir Alex. I’d signed a deal at United but had to tell him: ‘Sorry, I want to play for Chelsea. ‘He really liked me but I could see how angry and disappointed he was.’
Mikel claims Ferguson tried to talk him out of moving to Chelsea and admits he did have second thoughts about the u-turn. However, he stuck with the decision and Ferguson was furious.
‘Some things he told me made me think about changing my mind but I was thinking about Jose, too. ‘I had these two great managers wanting me and I did not know what to do. ‘[He said} “Why would you turn down United? It’s the biggest club in the world – you cannot do that. You have to say “yes”‘ ‘As a footballer, you have to make decisions that you live with for the rest of your life.’
