Tianjin Teda of China midfielder, John Mikel Obi has come out with a new angle to his recent absence from the Super Eagles, as he says he only opted out for a break, not that he is thinking retiring from the Nigerian national team.
After missing the Eagles’ last four matches in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, talk has been rife that Mikel is on the verge of quitting international football, but the skipper says he cannot retire just yet, because he is not tired.
Speaking against the backdrop of his recent launch of a youth football development project in Lagos and visit to the state’s former governor, Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mikel said he has the Eagles on his mind.
Mikel stopped short of confirming whether his national team absence was induced by recent fitness issues, which reportedly also accounted for his sparse outings with his club, as he insists he just took a break.
While also disclosing that he has been busy doping other things during his break, Mikel promised to go public before finally quitting the Eagles.
The former Chelsea star noted: “A lot has been said about my absence in the national team.
“I think if you have been doing something for a very long time, you will definitely ask for a little break.
“That’s what I have been on, I have been on break. I am not tired yet. The day I will retire, I will let everyone know before I make the statement.”
