Turkish Super Lig leaders Trabzonspor have parted ways with former Nigerian captain John Mikel Obi over his social media post about the Coronavirus, www.aclsports.com reports.
Mikel has been an integral part of the Trabzon side this season but caused a major stir when he posted on Instagram last weekend, asking for the league to be suspended because of the pandemic already ravaging major parts of Europe.
The Turkish Super Lig is one of very few leagues still going on in Europe albeit behind closed doors in the wake of the Coronavirus situation.
“There is more to life than football. I do not feel comfortable and don’t want to play football in this situation. Everyone should be home with their families and loved ones in this critical time. Season should be cancelled as the world is facing such turbulent times,” Mikel wrote on his Instagram page on Saturday.
The post has now drawn the ire of the club’s top hierarchy and Mikel’s teammates who believe his comment could truncate their title aspirations.
www.aclsports.com scooped that the situation was a major reason Mikel refused to participate in Trabzonspor’s home clash with fierce rivals Istanbul Başakşehir which ended in a 1-1 draw on Sunday.
The club has now announced on Tuesday evening that they have parted ways with the former Chelsea star on mutual consent, with Mikel forfeiting all his benefits.
Mikel’s exit leaves striker Anthony Nwakaeme as the only Nigerian left at the club after Ogenyi Onazi also left the club on mutual consent earlier in the season.
