Chelsea‘s Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel may not be the celebrated of the club’s current stars, but few can fault his longevity, despite persistent rumours of an exit.
The 28-year-old hit a new milestone on Saturday when he replaced Cesc Fabregas during the Blues’ Premier League bout against Watford.
The outing was Mikel’s 350th showing for the Pensioners, becoming only the 21st player to manage that total for the west London side during the club’s 110-year history [as per the club’s official website].
In terms of foreign players, Mikel already stands as the third-highest appearance-maker in the club’s history, behind Petr Cech—who managed 486 before his summer exit for Arsenal—and Ivorian striker Didier Drogba, who also left the club this summer, when he moved to Montreal Impact.
Similarly, behind John Terry, Mikel is the highest appearance-maker currently at the club, a remarkable feat for a player who doesn’t always get the credit he deserves.
The Nigerian—who has won two Premier League titles, four FA Cup crowns, two League Cups, the Champions League and the Europa League—has been tipped for a move away from Stamford Bridge, with Takvim [via the Metro] reporting earlier this month that the Super Eagle could be set for a January exit to Galatasaray.
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