Former captain of the Super Eagles, John Obi Mikel, has revealed two major reasons he decided to retire from international football.
Mikel Obi who is with Trabzonspor Club currently in Turkey left the Super Eagles shortly after Nigeria came third in the last Nations Cup in Egypt.
According to the midfielder, the first reason was to pave way for younger players and the need to soft-pedal since he no longer have many years of football ahead of him.
Mikel Obi also expressed confidence in the present players of Super Eagles, noting that the players are not only talented but determined to excel.
Mikel Obi at the training alongside Italian striker, Caleb Ekuban
The former Chelsea midfielder stated this in a chat with Trabzonspor’s official magazine.
”We currently have very talented young players. They’re all bright. I think these players can handle the challenges. I had to make room for them, besides; I don’t have many years for football in front of me. I want to focus on my team in the remaining period, “he said.
”I served the national team for 13 years, most of them as captain. In this period, we achieved significant successes as a team,” he added.
