After enduring years entangled in one of football’s most convoluted transfer sagas, former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi revealed that legendary Sir Alex Ferguson had forgiven him.
Back in 2005, Mikel was a highly-regarded prospect at Norwegian side Lyn Oslo, with Manchester United keenly pursuing him.
The Nigerian prodigy appeared to be on the verge of joining the Red Devils from the Norwegian club, with an agreement subsequently announced.
Mikel was even photographed in a United shirt, and they went as far as hosting a press conference. However, the transfer dramatically fell through after Chelsea intervened, and Mikel expressed feeling coerced into the move.
“I signed a contract with Manchester United and I didn’t do that of my own free will,” Mikel told Sky Sports News in 2006.
“I was put under a lot of pressure to do that. I was denied advice from my agent and people I trust and I didn’t get much time to think about that.
“I did something I did not want to do. Because of the pressure from Mr Morgan (Andersen, Lyn’s sporting director) and a representative of United it became too much.
“I was pushed and I had nobody on my side so I had to do it.
“I was denied a chance to have a week to think about it and get some independent advice from people so the pressure was too much.
According to several reports, Ferguson was scheduled to fly to Norway for crisis talks but had to cancel his trip upon learning that the Nigerian midfielder had missed training in Norway and was believed to be en route to London for discussions with Chelsea.
Ultimately, Mikel joined Chelsea and enjoyed a successful 11-year tenure at Stamford Bridge, marked by numerous trophy triumphs.
Years later, during his podcast, Mikel shared that he harbored apprehensions about encountering Ferguson on the touchline when Chelsea faced Manchester United. When their paths did cross, Mikel recounted Ferguson wearing a stern expression.
Nearly two decades later, the retired footballer had the opportunity to meet with Ferguson on the evening of the UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley, where they shared a pleasant exchange.
Taking to Instagram, Mikel posted a photo of himself with Ferguson, captioned, “He has forgiven me.”
Emerging from the 2005 Under-17 FIFA World Cup with Nigeria, Mikel emerged as one of the most promising young football talents globally.
During his tenure with Chelsea, Mikel secured two Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League trophy, one Europa League title, four FA Cup victories, two League Cup triumphs, and one Community Shield title.