Former Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi, recently revealed that legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has forgiven him after 19 years, marking the end of a tumultuous transfer saga that shook the football world.
The saga began in 2005 when Mikel, a promising talent at Norwegian side Lyn Oslo, caught the eye of United.
The Red Devils swiftly moved to secure his signature, announcing a deal and even presenting Mikel in a United shirt at a press conference.
However, Chelsea intervened, sparking a dramatic turn of events. Mikel, feeling pressured, expressed his desire to join Chelsea instead, leading to the breakdown of the proposed move to Manchester United.
Now, nearly two decades later, Mikel has disclosed that Ferguson has forgiven him for the episode, closing the chapter on one of football’s most intriguing transfer sagas.
“I signed a contract with Manchester United and I didn’t do that of my own free will,” Mikel told Sky Sports News in 2006.
“I was put under a lot of pressure to do that. I was denied advice from my agent and people I trust and I didn’t get much time to think about that.
“I did something I did not want to do. Because of the pressure from Mr Morgan (Andersen, Lyn’s sporting director) and a representative of United it became too much.
“I was pushed and I had nobody on my side so I had to do it.
“I was denied a chance to have a week to think about it and get some independent advice from people so the pressure was too much.”
Reports revealed that Ferguson was set to fly to Norway for crisis talks regarding Mikel’s transfer to Manchester United, but his trip was canceled upon learning that the player had gone missing from training and was believed to be en route to London for discussions with Chelsea.
Mikel eventually joined Chelsea and enjoyed a successful 11-year spell at Stamford Bridge, winning numerous trophies.
In a podcast years later, Mikel admitted to feeling anxious about facing Ferguson when Chelsea played Manchester United. Upon their eventual meeting, Ferguson reportedly wore a stern expression.
Nineteen years after the transfer saga, Mikel and Ferguson met again on the night of the UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium.
This time, both parties enjoyed a pleasant interaction, marking a positive end to their previous strained relationship.
Taking to his Instagram, Mikel shared a picture of himself with Ferguson with the caption, “He has forgiven me.”
After impressing at the 2005 Under-17 FIFA World Cup with Nigeria, Mikel emerged as one of the most promising young football talents globally.
During his tenure at Chelsea, Mikel achieved significant success, clinching two Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League trophy, one Europa League title, four FA Cup titles, two League Cup titles, and one Community Shield title.
