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John Obi Mikel disclosed the secret of his football idol in a recent interview
Former Chelsea and Super Eagles of Nigeria midfield maestro, John Mikel Obi, has opened up about his footballing idol during his formative years, shedding light on the player who inspired him the most.
Mikel reveals admiration for Zidane
In a recent quick-fire interview with UEFA, Mikel was asked to name his favorite football player of all time. Without hesitation, the Nigerian football icon singled out none other than Zinedine Zidane, the legendary former Real Madrid and Juventus midfielder.
Expressing his admiration for Zidane, Mikel stated, "Growing up, I will go Zinedine Zidane." This revelation provides insight into the profound impact Zidane had on Mikel's early footballing journey and his enduring influence on the Nigerian midfielder.
Mikel's admiration for Zidane extends beyond mere childhood idolization. In a previous episode of his podcast, "Obi One," Mikel engaged in a lively conversation with his former teammate, Eden Hazard, where he made a bold comparison between himself and the French football legend.
The Zidane comparison
During the podcast exchange, Mikel humorously likened himself to Zidane in the context of his role as a penalty taker for the Nigeria national team. Responding to Hazard's playful questioning about his penalty-taking skills, Mikel confidently declared, "In Nigeria, I used to shoot the penalties. In the Nigeria national team, I was the Zidane."
Mikel's comparison to Zidane underscores his self-assurance and his pivotal role within the Super Eagles setup. Throughout his illustrious career with Nigeria, spanning from his debut in 2005 to his retirement after the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, Mikel epitomized leadership, creativity, and skill on the pitch.
As Mikel reflects on his footballing journey, his admiration for Zidane serves as a testament to the enduring impact of footballing icons on aspiring players. From idolization to emulation, Mikel's journey from fan to footballing legend continues to inspire a new generation of players both in Nigeria and beyond.
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