Nigeria’s Mikel Obi plays down reports that he will be returning to Chelsea as a coach

John Obi Mikel has played down reports that he is set to return to Chelsea in a coaching position after reports surfaced that he could join Frank Lampard’s backroom team.

The ex-Nigeria international is still playing for Trabzonspor in the Turkish Super League, having spent a brief stint with Middlesborough in the Championship.

Mikel has become a core part of Huseyin Cimcir’s side this season, and at 32, he doesn’t appear to be in the position to hang up his boots yet.

That left him even more surprised by reports in the media that he had a been offered a job by Chelsea, a club he won nine trophies with and made 372 appearances for.

“To be honest, I have no idea where this story came from,” Mikel told Sabah of the rumours.

I was surprised when I saw the news because neither me nor my club had a meeting with Chelsea about becoming a coach.

“Chelsea is, of course, my home, but the reports aren’t true.”