Chelsea legend Mikel John Obi returns to English football with Stoke City

Since leaving Chelsea after ten and a half years of loyal, glorious service, Mikel John Obi has become a bit of a world traveler. He went east, joining Chinese club Tianjin TEDA. Two years he went west, returning to England via Championship club Middlesbrough, albeit only briefly, before heading south, to Turkey, by signing for Trabzonspor.

When that move ended abruptly, Mikel made it clear that he was prioritizing his health and his family, and spoke of his intention to stay closer to home with his next assignment.

Today, those intentions were confirmed with the official announcement that the 33-year-old has signed for Stoke City. It’s not quite London, but it’s also not Russia.

Putting pen to paper on a one-year contract, Mikel’s ready to bring a winning attitude to the West Midlands club, who have not come close to mounting a promotion campaign since being relegated from the Premier League two years ago, finishing mid-table in the Championship in each of the two seasons since.

While the memories we have of playing against Stoke City at their annoying Pulis-ball peak are far from fond, we wish Mikel all the best of luck in his new challenge.

Perhaps we will cross paths again soon!