Raising a Glass to Retirement
Former Chelsea Premier League and Champions League winner, John Obi Mikel, has been living his retirement days in style. The 36-year-old, who retired in September 2022, joked that he has been spending the last year "chilling and drinking beer" since retiring from professional football.
A Successful Career
Mikel, a Chelsea legend, spent 11 years at Stamford Bridge and played a crucial role in helping the club secure two Premier League titles, the 2012 Champions League, four FA Cups, two League Cups, and the Europa League. After leaving Chelsea in 2017, he had spells at Middlesbrough and Stoke City before playing in China and Turkey.
A Jovial Mood
Mikel recently took part in a charity match for Chelsea Legends XI against Bayern Munich, which raised money in honor of former player-manager Gianluca Vialli. The midfielder was in a jovial mood after the game and when asked about his retirement, he jokingly replied, "Me? Just chilling and drinking beer!"
Chelsea Legends Shine
In the charity match, Mikel's former teammates Michael Essien, John Terry, Gary Cahill, and Tiago Mendes all scored, leading the Blues to a resounding 4-0 victory. Another former teammate, Ramires, also made an appearance, sporting a new look for the game.
Tribute to Gianluca Vialli
Following the match, Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola, who played alongside Vialli, paid tribute to his former friend and teammate. Zola praised Vialli's strength and dignity throughout his battle with illness.
Keeping Faith in the Current Squad
Zola also shared his thoughts on the current Chelsea squad, expressing his faith in manager Mauricio Pochettino. However, he acknowledged that the team's young age and the presence of new players could present challenges in the coming season.
Expectations for the Future
When asked about the team's chances of finishing in the top four, Zola admitted that it would be a tough challenge, but stressed the importance of the players coming together quickly and developing a strong team spirit.
John Obi Mikel's retirement seems to be off to a great start, with the Chelsea legend enjoying some well-deserved relaxation and a few cold beers. As for the current Chelsea squad, only time will tell if they can live up to the legacy of their predecessors and bring home more silverware.
