After a two-year stint in the Chinese Super League, the 31-year-old is back in England but not in the top-flight league. John Obi Mikel’s move to Middlesbrough has been welcomed by fans on social media despite the fact that he will be playing in the Championship. The Nigeria international joins Tony Pulis’ men on Thursday as reinforcement to strengthen their squad for promotion to the Premier League.
He left Chelsea for Tianjin Teda in 2016 and fans are delighted to have him back in familiar surroundings where he two top-flight titles and three FA Cups with the Blues.
Welcome back to England @mikel_john_obi legend of all time ?
— TRIPLE BLUE LION (@triplemaurice) January 24, 2019
When you realise John Obi Mikel and David Luiz were born on the same day… in the same year… and are the same age… ? pic.twitter.com/C20RlHx93v
— Goal (@goal) January 24, 2019
Good to have Mikel back in England. Not a bad move joining Middlesbrough and earning approximately £160k before tax monthly isn’t bad. He has every reason to smile. pic.twitter.com/zgJvFdd8R2
— Godwin Enakhena (@genakhena) January 22, 2019
Good luck at Middlesbrough, @Mikel_John_Obi! ? pic.twitter.com/VzUHvUAump
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 24, 2019
And the award for the most bizarre transfer of the window goes to… ?
Middlesbrough and John Obi Mikel! ? pic.twitter.com/wvIHYlPFvd
— Goal (@goal) January 24, 2019
Welcome back to England ??????? John Obi Mikel! Good luck at Middlesbrough! Unsung hero. ? pic.twitter.com/x9JqHKIm80
— Chris Wright ??????? (@chriswrightzz) January 24, 2019
Best of luck to the often under appreciated former blue, John Obi Mikel, who is back in England joining Middlesbrough today! pic.twitter.com/9VUURGnMWo
— Simon Phillips (@SiPhillipsSport) January 24, 2019
Lets hope he can bring something to our static midfield. Welcome to Boro John Obi Mikel. ✌?
— For The Love Of Boro (@4TheLoveOfBoro) January 24, 2019
@mikel_john_obi Good Luck on your return to England….it's great to see you back…!!
— Mark Streeter (@MarkStreeter1) January 24, 2019