Stoke City boss tells Mikel he hopes to get 'that player on loan from Chelsea' again next season

Published: May 08, 2021

Stoke City manager Michael O'Neill has humorously remarked that he is hoping that Chelsea loan him their club legend John Obi Mikel for next season.

The former Super Eagles captain showed his quality as the Potters defeated Bournemouth 2-0 at the Vitality Stadium on the final day of the Championship season.

Mikel was involved in the build-up to Stoke City's second goal when he expertly controlled the ball and slipped in Sam Clucas who sent Smith on his way and the number 14 picked out the bottom corner.

The 34-year-old arrived at the bet365 Stadium last August, signing a deal until the end of the 2020-2021 campaign, and has done enough to earn himself a new contract.

"I thought he was brilliant. The (control and the) pass he plays for Rabbi Matondo in the first half too," O'Neill was quoted as saying by StokeonTrentLive.

"I've just said to him in the dressing room that I hope we can get that player on loan from Chelsea again next season. Today I thought he looked every bit."

Mikel spent ten and a half years at Chelsea, winning the Premier League twice, the FA Cup four times, the League Cup twice, the Champions League and Europa League during his time with the club.

"You can see with performances like that why he was at Chelsea for such a length of time in his career. He's been a top player who has won everything in the game.

"He's been a brilliant signing. When we're compact as a team we get the best of John.

"He's very positive around the club, a lot of help for the young players and I'm delighted to have him," O'Neill concluded.

Playing as a defensive midfielder, Mikel made 41 appearances in all competitions this season and helped Stoke City keep sixteen clean sheets.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : stokecityfc.com

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