Chelsea legend Marcel Desailly has expressed his admiration for Nigeria’s John Mikel Obi, recalling the midfielder’s impressive trial at Stamford Bridge as a teenager.
Mikel, who went on to enjoy a successful career with Chelsea, left a lasting impression on the 1998 World Cup winner and other senior players when he arrived for a two-week trial as a 16-year-old from Nigeria.
“He was magic,” Desailly said, speaking on Mikel’s ability during training sessions. “He was so technical, even in 1v1s and 2v2s. Every time, he could get out of any situation, and we were all so impressed.”
Mikel’s trial took place while Claudio Ranieri was still manager of Chelsea, before the Nigerian made his name on the world stage at the FIFA U20 World Cup.
The Mikel Obi transfer saga
Desailly jokingly added, “We were even worried if he was on drugs, because he was incredible. That player was going to bring the football level very high.”
Despite the excitement surrounding Mikel Obi's talent, Chelsea couldn’t sign him at the time due to work permit restrictions in the UK.
This delay would set the stage for one of the most controversial transfers in football history.
Mikel’s eventual move to Chelsea became one of the most heated transfer battles of the mid-2000s. After shining at the 2005 U20 World Cup, where he finished second only to Lionel Messi in the player rankings, both Manchester United and Chelsea competed for his signature.
Chelsea ultimately secured his signature, and Mikel’s move was worth the wait.
Over an 11-year stint with the club, he won the Champions League, two Premier League titles, one Europa League, four FA Cups, and two League Cups before retiring in 2022.
