Mikel Rejected A Briefcase Of Cash

Mikel

The Nigerian midfielder was signed by Chelsea in 2006 and went on to enjoy a highly-successful nine-year stay in west London, where he won two Premier League titles and four FA Cups, as well as lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy.

However, the 30-year-old - who currently plies his trade at Chinese Super League side Tianjin TEDA FC - has revealed he was previously approached by an anonymous agent who had offered him a briefcase filled with $70,000 to sign for his club.

"I had agents promising me everything," Mikel, who had actually signed a pre-deal with Manchester United before eventually joining Chelsea, told The Sun.

"One approached me in the hotel with a briefcase full of cash.

"I can't remember what club he claimed to represent - but I do remember the briefcase. It was crammed with $70,000 and he offered me that to sign some contract before adding: 'Sign here and you'll get a lot more'.

"I was tempted. I'd never seen so much money but I told the Nigerian FA secretary who was looking after me.

"He told me to ignore this agent but promised I would join the best club. After the tournament, I went home to my family and then saw the secretary again in Abuja.

"That's when he told me: 'You're going to United. They want you and you're leaving tomorrow'. My dad was so happy but mum was crying because I was moving abroad at such a young age."