Former Chelsea and Super Eagles midfielder John Mikel Obi in a recent revelation that has sent ripples through the football community disclosed that he was offered performance-enhancing drugs during his tenure at Chelsea. This disclosure comes amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who recently failed a drug test.
Mikel Obi, who spent 11 illustrious years at Stamford Bridge, shared his experience on his podcast, "Obi One," emphasizing the importance of athletes being vigilant about what they consume.
He recounted how, during his time at Chelsea, he was approached by friends and acquaintances offering substances that promised to enhance his performance. However, Mikel stood firm in his principles, refusing to compromise his integrity for marginal gains.
"I'm responsible for what I put in my body, what I eat, and stuff like that," Mikel stated. "People around will offer you stuff—friends, friends of friends—they will tell you that this will give you this or it will give you one or two more percent in your performances, and I'm like, 'What is this? Is this legal?' I tell them to go away, I don’t want to talk about it. We have to take responsibility for our actions and what we eat."
The timing of Mikel's revelation coincides with the scrutiny faced by Mudryk, who joined Chelsea in January 2023. The Ukrainian winger tested positive for banned substances last month, and if found guilty, he could face a suspension of up to four years, potentially derailing his promising career.
Mikel expressed hope for Mudryk's innocence, stating, "For him and his family, I hope he is innocent. But for now, Mudryk is innocent until proven guilty."
Reflecting on his own career, Mikel recalled the challenges he faced when he first joined Chelsea in 2006. He had been involved in a controversial transfer saga between Manchester United and Chelsea, which saw him eventually sign with the latter. Despite the pressures and temptations that came with playing at the highest level, Mikel remained steadfast in his commitment to clean sport.
During his time at Chelsea, Mikel was part of the club's golden era, contributing to numerous successes, including Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League victory. His dedication to maintaining his integrity and rejecting performance-enhancing drugs signifies the values that guided him throughout his career.
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