Former Super Eagles skipper Mikel Obi has revealed that former Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson has forgiven him after the transfer face-off with Chelsea in 2006, Soccernet.ng reports.
Coming off the 2005 Under-17 FIFA World Cup with Nigeria, Mikel was one of the best young football prospects in the World.
He was still in Norway at the time, playing for FC Lyn. However, Manchester United had eyes on him, with Ferguson keen on bringing him on board at Old Trafford.
The deal looked like it was already complete, as Mikel even posed for a picture wearing a Manchester United jersey. But the deal went south just hours later, as Chelsea hijacked the transfers.
The Blues put a better offer on the table, and since Manchester United had not legally completed the deal, Mikel joined the Londoners despite the good treatment he got from Ferguson and some players at the club when he visited.
Years later, on his podcast, Mikel revealed that when Chelsea played Manchester United, he was afraid of meeting Ferguson on the touchline. And when they eventually met each other, the retired Scottish manager had a dreadful look on his face.
However in a recent post on social media, Mikel revealed shared a picture of himself with Ferguson with the caption: “He has forgiven me.”
Mikel’s decision proved to be the best for him, as he was very successful at Chelsea. He won the multiplw Premier Leagues, FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League.
