Chelsea legend Mikel Obi revealed that during his dad's kidnapping incident, Roman Abramovic offered to help him send forces to retrieve his patriach.
Super Eagles legend John Mikel Obi has revealed that he was offered help by former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovic when his father was kidnapped during the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The 36-year-old played for Chelsea from 2006 to 2017, and although he had left the club at the time of the incident, he revealed that the Premier League side were very helpful, as was the then owner, Abramovic.
20:40 - 07.11.2023
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15:14 - 08.11.2023
'They were going to kill my dad'— Mikel Obi details traumatic kidnapping experience
Ex-Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has revealed the trauma his dad went through when he was kidnapped while sending a message of hope to Luis Diaz.
Mikel’s father’s kidnapping
As Pulse Sports reported, Pa Obi was kidnapped just before Mikel led out Nigeria for their third game against Argentina at the Russia 2018 World Cup.
Although Mikel went on to play the match, which Nigeria lost 2-1, the former Chelsea midfielder revealed it was a tough moment for him.
In an interview with TalkSport, Mikel revealed his father went through hell in the kidnappers’ den, stating they made him suffer.
The ex-Nigeria captain said he could hear the fear in his father’s voice when he spoke to him after the match against Argentina.
Abramovich’s offer to help
Mikel further revealed that Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, who was the owner of Chelsea until 2021 when he was forced to sell the club to the Todd Bhoely-led consortium due to his ties to his country’s government after the invasion of Ukraine, offered to help.
He said the former governor of Chukotka told him he was able to send forces to rescue his father.
My dad got kidnapped while I was playing at the World Cup 2018 in Russia. Chelsea were very supportive,” he told TalkSport.
“I remember Roman Abramovich saying, Do you want me to send people over? Because I know if I send people over, I can get your dad out."
“I was like, How are you going to do this? He said, Don't worry about that. Just let me know if you want that option; I can do it."
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