Former Nigeria captain Mikel Obi has said choosing Chelsea over Manchester United in a controversial 2006 transfer was the “best decision” of his career.

The midfielder, who retired last week at the age of 35, was the subject of a bitter dispute between the Red Devils and the Blues in 2005, before signing for the latter the year next.

His decision to move to London, after initially signing for Manchester side Norwegian club Lyn Oslo, ultimately proved rewarding.

Mikel became one of the club’s most decorated players, winning the Champions League, Europa League, two Premier Leagues, two League Cups and four FA Cups in 11 years which ended when he left Stamford Bridge in 2017.

“I don’t regret any decision I made because I enjoyed everything I achieved at Chelsea – it’s the best decision I’ve ever made in my life,” Mikel told BBC Sport Africa.

“I signed a pre-contract for Manchester United when I was 17. If you’re a kid and you see Sir Alex Ferguson right in front of you with the contract, of course you’ll be tempted.”

Having done plenty of previous runs, Chelsea were shocked when he signed for their rivals. His agent John Shittu immediately flew to Oslo to take the player to London, while Lyn quickly declared him missing.

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