Connect with us

Sports

It’s time to let the youth take over, Mikel says as he announces retirement from international football

Published

Mikel retirement



Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel, has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 32.

His announcement is coming less than 24 hours after Nigeria won bronze at the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt following their 1-0 win over Tunisia on Monday night.

The 32-year-old midfielder took to his Instagram page on Thursday afternoon to break the news, saying he started his career for Nigeria in Egypt and it is historic for him to announce his retirement in the same country where he first made an international appearance for Nigeria.

He wrote:

“Egypt is a country where I’ve started and have finished my National career. In 2006 I played my first official championship for my Country. 2019 African Cup of Nations marks my last championship for National Team with Super Eagles.

“My national career started in 2003 under 17 World Cup and I’m grateful for the national team for placing me on the world arena and giving me an opportunity to show my skill and have an incredible National and International career.

“At the age of 32 it’s time for me to retire from the National team and let the youth take over, who’ve done an amazing job securing a bronze medal at AFCON 2019.

“Thank you to all my Nigerian supporters and to my Country for all the trust, support and love you’ve shown me over the past 15 years.”

 

See his IG post:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Egypt is a country where I’ve started and have finished my National career. In 2006 I played my first official championship for my Country. 2019 African Cup of Nations marks my last championship for National Team with Super Eagles. My national career started in 2003 under 17 World Cup and I’m grateful for the national team for placing me on the world arena and giving me an opportunity to show my skill and have an incredible National and International career. At the age of 32 it’s time for me to retire from the National team and let the youth take over, who’ve done an amazing job securing a bronze medal at AFCON 2019. Thank you to all my Nigerian supporters and to my Country for all the trust, support and love you’ve shown me over the past 15 years. Mikel am out!

A post shared by Mikel Obi (@mikel_john_obi) on

Advertisement
Comments



Trending