Mikel Set To Leave Chelsea For Galatasaray

John Mikel Obi is set to move to Galatasaray and says he is confident that the Turkish side will agree a deal with Chelsea over a transfer fee. The Nigerian midfielder asked former Blues striker Didier Drogba for advice about moving to the club.

Mikel says he has spent a long time at Chelsea and is looking forward to life in Istanbul.

'I'm very pleased with Galatasaray's offer,' Mikel told Sabah, a daily Turkish newspaper. 'I asked Drogba for advice and he told me that Istanbul is a fantastic city, that Galatasaray is a huge club and that I have to make the move. 'I have played at Chelsea for a long time and it's now time for me to leave. 'I'm still only 26 and it's great to receive an offer from a club (Galatasaray) playing Champions League football and doing well in the competition.'

He continued: 'Talks have reached an advanced level between Chelsea and Galatasaray. Chelsea won't make the move difficult and regarding my salary there won't be a problem. 'All that is left is for the clubs to reach an agreement.' 

Mikel was a player who split opinions among fans - some hailed him for his defensive aptitude and performances in big games while others chastised him for his lack of attacking nous.

Jose Mourinho signed him in 2006 after a protracted transfer saga which saw him on the brink of a move to Manchester United - it even progressed to the point he was pictured in their shirt at a press conference.

FIFA ordered he move back to his side Lyn Oslo while the matter was resolved - but instead of letting the world football governing body settle the dispute, Chelsea decided to deal directly with United and the Norwegian side.

They eventually settled on a £16million fee - £12m to United and £4m to Lyn.

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