Stoke City Boss Reveals Ex-Chelsea Star Obi Mikel's Move Wasn't Money-Driven

Stoke City coach Michael O’Neill has insisted that John Obi Mikel's transfer to the Bet365 Stadium was not motivated by money as the central midfielder had more lucrative offers.

The likes of Brazilian clubs Sport Club Internacional and Botafogo as well as Italian Serie A newcomers Benevento were credited with an interest in the Chelsea legend before he agreed terms with Stoke City, and it is believed he would have earned more money if he had joined any of the aforementioned clubs.

Though Stoke City have not disclosed the financial terms of Mikel's one-year deal, the former Super Eagles captain earned a guaranteed basic wage of €125,000 every month at his last club Trabzonspor.

With 249 appearances under his belt in the Premier League, Mikel still has an ambition of playing in the division and that was the main reason he joined Stoke City.

In quotes carried by StokeonTrentLive, O’Neill stated : "John Obi Mikel had many opportunities around the globe about where he could have gone and played which, I assure you, were a lot more lucrative than what he signed here at Stoke."

Mikel is in contention to make his third appearance for Stoke City in pre-season when they tackle Premier League opponents Newcastle United at St. James' Park on Saturday afternoon.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel