Stoke City boss explains why Mikel was allowed to leave for free despite a year left on contract

Stoke City manager Michael O'Neill has explained why experienced midfielder John Obi Mikel was allowed to leave the club as a free agent despite having a year left on his contract.

The Chelsea icon sealed a permanent transfer to Kuwaiti Premier League club Kuwait SC on Thursday, July 1, signing a deal that will keep him at the club until at least the end of the 2021-2022 season.

Although the Potters had activated an option to extend Mikel's contract by a year, there was an agreement in place that would enable him terminate his contract by mutual consent if he got an offer from a foreign club.

Signed as a free agent last summer, Mikel departs the bet365 Stadium after making 41 appearances in all competitions.

"Although John triggered the second year of his contract, we always had an agreement in place whereby we would let him leave if a significant overseas opportunity came along," O'Neill told Stoke City's official webpage.

"John is a fantastic professional and was a huge presence for us last season both on and off the field, particularly with the young players in our first-team squad.

"I really enjoyed working with him and would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his contribution and wish him every success for the future."

A two-time World Cupper, Mikel won  91 caps before retiring from international football after the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel