Former Super Eagles star John Obi Mikel recently shared valuable memories from his Chelsea days, specifically highlighting the influence of French football legend Claude Makélélé on his development as a defensive midfielder.

On The Obi One Podcast, Mikel recalled joining Chelsea in 2006, following an impressive showing at the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where he helped Nigeria reach the final against Lionel Messi’s Argentina. Under the guidance of José Mourinho, who encouraged him to study Makélélé’s playing style, Mikel embraced the chance to learn from a player who redefined the defensive midfield role.

Reflecting on this mentorship, Mikel described Makélélé as an invaluable mentor. “I sat and learned from the man himself, Claude Makélélé,” Mikel recounted. “He’s the greatest in that position. If you have a role named after you, you must be doing something right.”

Mourinho’s early advice was straightforward: “Sit down, watch Claude Makélélé and learn how he plays this position.” For nearly six months, Mikel closely observed Makélélé’s disciplined, team-centered approach—qualities he would adopt throughout his own career. “Maka always put the team first; he showed that the club is bigger than any individual,” Mikel shared.

Mikel left Chelsea in 2017, having won a remarkable array of trophies, including two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and the Champions League. Over his 249 Premier League appearances, Mikel became a fixture in Chelsea’s midfield and continues to credit Makélélé for shaping his understanding of selflessness and resilience on the field.