Posted by Stories by DIPO OGUNSOLA, Senior Sports Reporter on
NIGERIA'S Chelsea of England midfielder, Mikel John Obi admits he has learnt his lessons following a 63rd minute expulsion in an ill-tempered Week Eight English Premiership tie against Reading
NIGERIA'S Chelsea of England midfielder, Mikel John Obi admits he has learnt his lessons following a 63rd minute expulsion in an ill-tempered Week Eight English Premiership tie against Reading
Referee Mike Riley showed the former Lyn Oslo of Norway player the door following a second bookable offence against Senegalese defender, Ibrahima Sonko of Reading.
'It was obvious Jose Mourinho (Chelsea coach) was disappointed. I was as well because the red card was not good for a newcomer like me.I know how Michael Ballack felt when he was banned," Mikel told Chelsea TV.
'No doubt, it was a big lesson to me here. I have to improve my pace if I want to have a future in the English game.'' Mikel however said he was grateful to the senior players who interceded and ensured that he escaped club fine after his Reading misdeed.
‘'The senior players pleaded on my behalf (against fine) but I have been warned that if I had another red in the next six games, I will have to pay double the amount of fine''.
Mikel missed Chelsea crucial game against Barcelona last week in a UEFA Champions League and the 2-1 home victory on Saturday over Portsmouth which fielded another Nigerian, Nwankwo Kanu.