Mikel obi leaves Chelsea finally after 10 years, 374 games and 11 Trophies.

Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi, has joined Chinese Super League club, Tianjin TEDA, on a three-year deal after more than 10 years at London club, Chelsea.

The midfielder becomes the latest big name player to join the Chinese Super League after failing to force his way into Antonio Conte’s Chelsea side. Former Chelsea teammate, Oscar, also left for China for £60m.

The player endured a torrid half season under the Italian manager since he featured for Nigeria at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, where he led the U-23 team to a bronze medal finish.

Despite reported offers from various European clubs including Inter Milan, Manchester United, Marseille and Valencia, the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner chose to head to the Chinese Super League.

Mikel had a medical in TEDA on Thursday before the Asian Football Confederation confirmed the deal on Friday. The 29-year-old, whose contract with Chelsea was ending in the summer, was given a free transfer by the London club and will earn £140,000 a week in China, according to local media reports.

Mikel previously played for Norwegian club, Lyn Oslo before his move to Chelsea in 2006. He played 374 matches under 10 different managers at Stamford Bridge. He scored six goals and won 11 trophies among which are the Champions League, Europa League, two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two Carling Cups and one Community Shield.

The 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup silver medallist joins the list of many Nigerians plying their trade in the Chinese Super League. Aaron Samuel and Obafemi Martins are other Nigerians in the league.

 The club, Tianjin TEDA, are 10th in the 16-team league with 36 points from 30 league games. They are managed by Portuguese Jamie Pacheco and owned by TEDA Holding, a Chinese-state owned enterprise.

Meanwhile, Mikel has said it was an honour to play for the English club.

In a letter posted on his Twitter page on Friday, the Nigerian reminisced his time at the Bridge, saying goodbye to the club’s fans.

“I joined Chelsea as a 19-year-old kid from the Norwegian Premier League, making my debut in the Community Shield. I say goodbye as a champion of England, a champion of Europe, and proud captain of my national team,” he wrote.

“To play in the Premier League, the best league in the world, is every professional player’s ambition. But to play for Chelsea, to become part of the Chelsea family, to work with some of the best managers and players in the world, has truly been an honour.