Former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi has opened up on his meeting with Trabzonspor president Ahmet A?ao?lu before his contract was terminated.
The 33-year-old midfielder departed the Turkish club just days after criticising the Turkish football authorities for not suspending the season despite the spread of coronavirus.
He wrote on Instagram: 'There is more to life than football. I do not feel comfortable and don't want to play football in this situation. Everyone should be home with their families and loved ones at this critical time. Season should be cancelled as the world is facing such turbulent times.'
The former Chelsea star who has since returned to London with his family following the termination of his contract, has opened up on his final meeting with Ahmet A?ao?lu, the president of Trabzonspor.
Speaking with The Athletic, Mikel said: 'They were really upset about the whole thing. I was told to meet with the president in his office one-on-one.
'He asked me to take it down (his statement). I told him I wasn't going to do that. It's my opinion. This is how I feel. We live in a free world. I have freedom of speech. I can express my opinion.
'I wanted to win the league too but at this point in time, we have to think about what is more important: to save peoples' lives.
'I want to help in any way that I can to defeat this virus. For us to be out there playing; I don't think we are helping the global situation. I don't feel it is right for us to play football.
'I told them I wanted to go home. They said, "If you go home, you're not coming back." I said, "OK, I'm going home."'
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