Can Middlesbrough Revive Mikel Obi’s Tottering Career?

Determined to put his tottering soccer career back on track, Super Eagles captain and former Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi has penned his signature for English Championship club, Middlesbrough.

Signed on a short-term deal on Thursday, the 31-year-old Nigerian international is arriving at the second-tier clubside’s Riverside Stadium as a free agent.

Before leaving China’s Tianjin Teda at the end of the Chinese Super League season in November after about two years in the Asian nation, many followers of Nigerian football, within and outside, the country were uncomfortable with Mikel’s dwindling form and decision to play in the less attractive Chinese league.

Popularly called John Mikel Obi by his fans and admirers, the Eagles captain rose to prominence during an eventful 11-year stint with Chelsea, winning two English Premier League titles; three FA Cups; and the UEFA Champions League in 2012; and Europa Cup 2012/2013 season

He also won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 playing for Nigeria in an international career that has spanned 12 years and 85 appearances, including two World Cups.

“I’m pleased to get him in. He is a man with a lot of experience and quality,” Middlesbrough manager, Tony Pulis, said in a statement.

“He has a winning mentality and he wants to be here to be a part of what we are looking to achieve.”

Mikel becomes Pulis’ second signing of the January window, following the arrival of Rajiv van La Parra on loan from Huddersfield Town.

Middlesbrough, who are bidding to return to the English Premier League for the first time since 2016/2017, are currently fifth on the Championship table.