Mikel leaves us - He was like "Marmite" to Chelsea fans.

It's been a few days since John Obi Mikel announced that he was to leave Chelsea and I just wanted to take time out to give my view on a player that I always admired.

Mikel was just one of those players that caused plenty of debate up and down the country. In fact you could say he was like “Marmite” because you either loved him or didn’t.

I always admired what he did without the ball in defensive areas as an unsung hero throughout the years playing for Chelsea under different Managers. He always found himself to be in the right position to shut the ball down and protect the two centre backs behind him.

Unfortunately, as the game moved on and especially in England became far more technical with the influx of World Class players plying their trade on these shores, Mikel became the focus of negativity when it came to his use of the ball.

As the years and Managers went by, Mikel slowly began to lose his place in the team after being a first team starter for a number of years. So much so, this season he has not featured once in Antonio Conte’s plans.

As a result, a move to China in 2017 suits everyone and the “African Zidane” as he is known in some quarters has left Chelsea after an amazing ten years at the club. In fact, it's amazing to think that he is still only 29 years of age!

Mikel posted a message to everyone at the club and the supporters when the announcement was made. Have a look below:

A letter to my Chelsea family. 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/FhcUyq3iaV

— Mikel John Obi (@mikel_john_obi) January 6, 2017

It’s always sad to see someone leave the club who has been here for that long but his message is class from a real class act in my opinion.

John Obi Mikel leaves Chelsea having won:

2 x Premier Leagues
4 x FA Cups
2 x League Cups
1 x Champions League
1 x Europa League.