I was forced to play with Nigeria, says Mikel

Chelsea Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel said on Saturday he was forced to represent his country during the 4-1 friendly defeat to Ghana in London on Wednesday after his family received death threats.

كتب : Amr Fahmy

السبت، 10 فبراير 2007 - 20:24
Chelsea Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel said on Saturday he was forced to represent his country during the 4-1 friendly defeat to Ghana in London on Wednesday after his family received death threats.

"Fans were threatening my family. They believe I pick the games I play for my country" Mikel told British newspaper the Sun.

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho asked the 19-year-old not to play with Nigeria in the midweek friendly due to the thigh strain he sustained against Charlton in the Premiership.

However, Mikel disobeyed his manager and played the full 90 minutes for the Super Eagles.

"Hopefully he will understand what I have been through and the severe pressure I was put under" the former Lyn Oslo said.

"People are still angry that I didn't play in Lesotho for the 2008 African Championship qualifier in October.

"Only a few people know what I have been through at home in the past due to this situation. It was just too much for me to handle or control," he added.