CHELSEA FANS PAYING HIGH TRIBUTE TO MIKEL

The Nigerian opted for the Chinese Super League after over a decade with the Blues, prompting great praise from fans on social media John Obi Mikel has ended speculation about his future after signing with Chinese Super League side Tianjin TEDA from Chelsea. The Nigeria captain had looked certain to move to Valencia, with the club's director Garcia Pitarch holding a meeting with him on Christmas Day. But a change of heart means Mikel will continue his professional career in Asia. WATCH: Mikel's career in numbers The midfielder's list of titles won during an almost 11-year stint at Stamford Bridge could easily put him in the 'experienced veteran' category, despite being only 29 years old, and Blues fans have been quick about praising the club hero. John Obi Mikel at Chelsea: 10 Years 374 Apps 2 Premier League 4 FA Cup 2 League Cup 1 Charity Sheild 1 UCL 1 Europa League 8:21 AM - 6 Jan 2017 40 39 Conteholic @aamirrkhann10 Say what you like about him but John Obi Mikel is a Chelsea legend. 10:07 AM - 6 Jan 2017 39 36 SimplyConte @SimplyConte John Obi Mikel. Mikel John Obi. Obi John Mikel. Colossal for a decade of unprecedented success. £16mil to Man U was worth it 10 times over 1:44 PM - 5 Jan 2017 22 47 Jamie @NineJamie John Obi Mikel won every major club honour in his over 10 years of service. What a Man! #CFC 11:15 AM - 6 Jan 2017 41 41 SonOfChelsea @SonOfChelsea Some fans feel Mikel is to thank for their only Champions League title. John Obi Mikel won us the Champions League. Don't ever forget that. pic.twitter.com/HtkQspW160 COMMENT PLS