English Championship side, Stoke City’s manager, Michael O’Neil has revealed that former Nigeria’s Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi did not join the club for financial reason.
Mikel, who left his Turkish Super Lig side, Trabzonspor bu mutual consent in March this year, joined Stoke City after snubbing bigger team like Brazilian clubs, Sport Club Internacional and Botafogo as well as Italian Serie A newcomers Benevento, where it is believed he would have earned more money.
O’Neil said the former Chelsea midfielder, who is guaranteed basic wage of €125,000 every month with the Potters, still has an ambition of playing in the division and that was the main reason he joined Stoke City.
“John Obi Mikel had many opportunities around the globe about where he could have gone and played which, I assure you, were a lot more lucrative than what he signed here at Stoke,” O’Neil said.
Mikel, who played last for Middlesbrough in the English Championship, is in contention to make his third appearance for Stoke City in pre-season when they tackle Premier League opponents, Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
