'This is not goodbye': Mikel Obi announces retirement from football at 35

Iconic ex-Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi has announced his retirement from football at the age of 35.

The Nigerian superstar wrote a lengthy note on Instagram thanking fans and everyone else who contributed to his football journey.

"There is a saying that “all good things must come to an end”, and for my professional football career, that day is today," Mikel writes on Instagram. "I look back at the past 20 years of my career, and I must say that I am very satisfied with all that I was able to achieve and more importantly the human it has helped shape. "All of this would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, managers, clubs, coaches, teammates and most importantly my ever-loyal fans.

"You supported me through my highs and lows, even on days that I did not live up to your expectations. I say a big thank you.

"I will also like to encourage everyone who I may have inspired one way or the other in the course of my career to never give up on their dreams, for every time you think about quitting, remind yourself why you started. "This is not goodbye, it’s the start of another journey, another chapter of my life. I look forward to what the future holds and I hope you will walk with me. Thank you."

Mikel played 11 years at Chelsea winning the Champions League, Europa League, Premier League (x2), FA Cup (x3) and League Cup.

Mikel also won the Nations Cup with Nigeria in 2013 among other personal honours.

He last played for Kuwait SC but quit before the end of 2021 and has been involved in charitable projects ever since.

Source: Mikel @ Instagram