Super Eagles Captain, Mikel Obi has revealed an unnamed agent representing a big club in Europe attempted to lure him with a briefcase full of hard currency to sign for the club after his sterling performance at the U17 FIFA World Cup. The former Chelsea defensive midfielder, who was a subject of strong interest from a host of European powerhouses after impressing for Nigeria at the U17 World Cup, said he turned down $70,000 (£53,000).
He hinted that though scouts from Arsenal, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United approached him, his preferred clubs were Chelsea and United.
Speaking with The Sun, Mikel said;
"I had agents promising me everything. 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."
Mikel eventually signed for Chelsea and became one of the club's most decorated players of all time. Last season he left Stanford Bridge for the Chinese Super league after falling out of favor with manager, Antonio Conte.
