The Nigeria international midfielder has spent the last two years in China with Tianjin TEDA but has now joined a promotion push in the Championship
Former
Chelsea star John Obi Mikel has returned to English football on a short-term deal at
Middlesbrough, with the Championship promotion hopefuls snapping him up following a spell at Tianjin TEDA.
The
Nigeria international midfielder has spent the last two years in
China.
He made a move to Asia in January 2017 after spending over 10 seasons at Stamford Bridge.
During his time in west London he made 374 appearances and collected numerous major honours.
That considerable experience is now about to be added to the fold at the Riverside Stadium as he seeks to help Boro secure a return to the top tier in
England.
Tony Pulis told the club’s
official website after completing a prized capture: "I'm pleased to get him in. He is a man with a lot of experience and quality.
"He has a winning mentality and he wants to be here and a part of what we are looking to achieve."
Mikel has linked up with Middlesbrough as a free agent.
The 31-year-old now has a new challenge and a fresh start on his hands.
A number of clubs from across Europe had been credited with holding an interest in putting terms to a seasoned performer.
Potential moves to
Roma and
Wolfsburg were mooted, but Mikel has opted to head back to familiar surroundings in England.
He has been handed the No. 2 shirt and becomes Boro’s second signing of the winter transfer window following the arrival of Rajiv van La Parra on loan from Huddersfield.
Mikel has made his way to Teesside with Pulis’ team sat fifth in the Championship table, six points adrift of the automatic promotion places.
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