John Obi Mikel on Friday confirmed his exit from Chelsea ahead of his move to Chinese club Tianjin TEDA. The Nigerian international's confirmation marked the arrival of yet another Chelsea star to China, after former blues midfielder 'Oscar' arrived in the country few days back to join Shanghai SIPG.

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Mikel confirmed the move to Tianjin TEDA through an emotional statement as he lamented over lack of playing opportunities under the new Chelsea manager Antonio Conte.

"As you will know, I haven't featured as much this season as I would have liked, and at 29 I still have many years in the game ahead of me," Mikel said.   

"With this in mind, I feel now is the time to seek a new challenge. I'm delighted to be joining Tianjin TEDA FC in China, at a time that the Chinese Super League is really taking off."

Mikel also did not forget to thank Chelsea fans for their gracious support at every step during a decade-long career at Stamford Bridge. The midfielder claimed that he could not have been happier saying goodbye to the club that is back where it truly belongs - top of the league.  

Mikel had appeared for Chelsea for over 350 matches and won 11 trophies with blues including two English Premier Title and one UEFA Champions League. He had arrived at Stamford bridge at the age 19 from a Norwegian club Lyn in 2006.   

Meanwhile, several local English media on Thursday claimed that the Nigerian international had undergone medical test to join Tianjin TEDA. The African player was earlier linked to Spanish club Valencia and Italian club Inter Milan.

Tianjin TEDA is not considered among the big names in Chinese Super League. It has never won a league title and it currently sits on the 10th position. However, the club boosted a massive stadium with seating capacity of nearly 54,696.     

TagsTianjin TEDA, john obi mikel, Chelsea, Chinese Super League, china