Former Nigeria skipper, John Mikel Obi, has admitted he had no choice to sign a pre-contract with Manchester United in the presence of their legendary manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.
However, Mikel Obi has now insisted that picking Chelsea over United was the best decision of his life.
The midfielder made a controversial move to Chelsea in 2006 after Manchester United after Manchester United claimed they had already signed him.
After a protracted saga which lasted for months, Chelsea offered to pay Manchester United $12m, while Mikel’s then Danish club Lyn Oslo got $4m.
The midfielder then spent 11 years at the Stamford Bridge winning the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, two Premier Leagues, two League Cups and four FA Cups.
He left Chelsea for Chinese Super League club, Tianjin Teda in 2017.
“I don’t regret any decision I made because I enjoyed everything I achieved at Chelsea – it’s the best decision I have ever made in my life,” Mikel told BBC Sport Africa.
“I signed a pre-contract for Manchester United when I was 17. If you are a kid and you see Sir Alex Ferguson right in front of you with the contract, of course you will be tempted.”