Conte to Mikel: You are free to leave Chelsea

Current second longest serving player John Mikel Obi by stating that he is not in his plans and can leave in January.

Mikel after spending 11 seasons at Stamford Bridge will have to move on since he appears to have been frozen out of the team after being relegated to the bench since Conte took over as coach.

The Super Eagles captain according to reports had engaged in talks with Conte pertaining to making his first competitive appearance under him and Mikel had given the impression that matters were under control only to receive this shocker from his English side’s boss.

Coach of the Nigerian national team Gernot Rohr met with Technical Director Mike Emenalo, who revealed to Rohr that Mikel is not in the plans of the Italian manager.

“Talks were held between Mikel and the manager. As for now he has been told he can leave in January, mind you his contract is set to expire in the summer” a source close to the midfielder told Owngoalnigeria.com.

“There’s every possibility for him to leave Chelsea either on loan or permanently in January. But the summer looks more likely. Every story must have an end. After 11 seasons, Mikel wants to move on and so too Chelsea.”

The 29-year-old midfielder put his Chelsea career at risk and guided the national team to a memorable bronze at the Rio Olympic Games in August – and returned the following month to lead the Super Eagles to a 1-0 victory over Tanzania in a Gabon 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo.