Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has admitted he would never congratulate Arsenal F.C. if they won the Premier League title.
The former Chelsea F.C. midfielder made the comments while discussing football rivalry and mentality at the highest level.
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“I would never congratulate Arsenal for winning the league,” Mikel said.
According to the former Nigerian international, football rivalry remains deeply emotional, especially between clubs with intense historical competition.
“That’s just football rivalry,” he implied.
However, Mikel insisted he would not react bitterly or behave like a sore loser if Arsenal eventually became champions.
“I wouldn’t complain or make excuses,” he noted.
The former midfielder revealed he takes inspiration from Pep Guardiola and his approach toward competition and defeat.
“You shake hands and move on,” he added.
Mikel spent over a decade at Chelsea where he won multiple trophies, including the UEFA Champions League and Premier League titles.
“The rivalry still means a lot to him,” many football fans believe.
The former Super Eagles captain has continued sharing candid opinions on football rivalries, mentality, and competition since retiring.
“Football is emotional, but respect still matters,” supporters continue to argue.
For Mikel, the message is clear.
Rivalries should remain competitive.
Losing should be handled with maturity.
But loyalty to your club never changes.
Because football passion and rivalry are part of what makes the sport special.
