Obi Mikel quits Turkey football club over coronavirus fears

Former Nigeria captain and ex-Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi has parted away with his football club Trabzonspor by mutual consent, days after expressing his concerns about the Turkish Super Lig continuing amid the global coronavirus pandemic.

The player’s two-year contract was cancelled yesterday following his social media post confirming he was not comfortable playing until the coronavirus outbreak was over.

Trabzonspor football club also confirmed that his contract had now ended.

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On Saturday, Obi wrote on Instagram: “There is more to life than football. I do not feel comfortable and don’t want to play football in this situation.”

“Everyone should be home with their families and loved ones in this critical time. Season should be cancelled as the world is facing such turbulent times.”

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A post shared by Mikel Obi (@mikel_john_obi)

Fans reacted differently to the news, with some praising his decision.

Well done @mikel_john_obi . Footballers all over should take their lives into their hands. Money is the priority of the authorities, they cannot be trusted. pic.twitter.com/0XUCyJbirv

— Obi of Funaland (@Monsiuer_T) March 18, 2020

While others condemned him.

No respect for their own efforts, you get paid for it, we as fans want to win the championship in return for our efforts. I understand you wanting to postpone, but it's disrespectful to ask for an annulment @mikel_john_obi pic.twitter.com/6gxkJ8kTzo

— Mr Topal (@mrrtpl) March 14, 2020

Mikel Obi’s partner, Olga Allegra, has taken to social media to defend her husband and slam a troll.

Olga wrote: “You are vile, but My man is a Hero. Family over everything. Good friends show their love in times of trouble, not just in times of happiness. — Euripides.”

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