The 35-year-old discussed his professional career in September, describing himself as “very satisfied” when he wrote on social media that “all good things must come to an end”.
The former defensive midfielder who won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Nigeria and led the national team to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, played for Lyn, Chelsea, Tianjin TEDA, Middlesborough, Trabzonspor, Stoke City and Kuwait SC.
Mikel talks about his next steps
Speaking in a recent interview, Mikel revealed that he has been very lucky to have played football and added that he is not done with the sport yet.
“I’ve been very lucky and very lucky to have the kind of career that I’ve had in terms of winning and playing and doing the things that I have to do. Also juggling family and kids. Looking back, there’s not a single regret. in my career. Who knows what the future will bring?
“I wouldn’t want to say I’m done with sports. It’s been my life for the last 20 years. I love football and sports too. I enjoy spending time on the pitch and in the locker room.
“I wouldn’t rule anything out now,” added Mikel, “but if you ask me, I would probably like to be somewhere where I can help from the top to organize and make sure things run smoothly.
“Management, I don’t really see myself in that, but you can never say never. But I would probably like to be sporting director of a football club one day.”
498 club games, 30 goal contributions and a dozen trophies
The former Nigerian international played a key role as Chelsea secured their first Champions League trophy in 2012, along with two Premier League titles, the Europa League and a pair of English cups.
After more than a decade of service with the Blues having joined them as a 19-year-old from Norwegian club Lyn, Mikel headed to China to play for Tianjin TEDA before returning to England with Middlesborough and winning the Turkish Cup with Trabzonspor in 2020.
He finished his career playing short spells for English championship club Stoke City and Kuwaiti club Kuwait SC.
