Former Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel has opened the door for a surprise move to African football after leaving Trabzonspor in protest of the coronavirus pandemic.
Mikel, 33, is now a free agent after leaving the Super Lig side after refusing to continue playing during the pandemic, with the Turkish top-flight one of the last few European leagues to suspend their football.
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Having moved to Europe in 2004 with Lyn Oslo, via a brief stint with Ajax Cape Town, Mikel has enjoyed a decorated career with 10 major titles to his name.
Scroll through the gallery below to see where Mikel ranks amongst the 10 richest African footballers of all-time
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And now he's admitted he could be open to returning to the African continent when ON Time Sports asked him about his interest in the Egyptian Premier League.
"I never ruled anything out," Mikel confirmed. "My goal is to continue playing football, and I hope I will have the opportunity, I do not reject any offers made to me, but rather study them well until I make the right decision."
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The 2013 Africa Cup f Nations winner went on to discuss his former Chelsea teammate Mohamed Salah, who's moved on from his disappointing spell in London to become one of the greatest forward's in Premier League history with Liverpool.
"When Salah came to Chelsea, he was a young boy, but he had a nice personality and everyone loved him, he was very disciplined," Mikel explained.
"We were close friends, talking a lot and joking a lot, he was a good friend. I believed in his development, but frankly, I did not imagine that he would reach the quality that he has now."