Former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has opened up about the pressures faced by professional footballers, revealing that he was offered performance-enhancing substances during his time at Chelsea. Mikel’s comments come in the wake of the recent suspension of Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who was provisionally suspended by the Football Association after failing a drugs test. Mudryk, a Ukrainian international, has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he has “not done anything wrong.”
Speaking candidly on the *Obi One Podcast*, Mikel shared his support for Mudryk, stressing the importance of the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. “For him and his family, I hope he is innocent,” Mikel said, offering a sympathetic perspective on the situation. His words highlight the emotional and professional toll that such accusations can have on athletes, particularly given the high stakes of their careers.
Reflecting on his own playing days, Mikel recounted instances where people, including friends and acquaintances, would approach him and other players with substances, claiming that they would enhance their performance. “They’d say, ‘This will give you an extra one or two percent in your game,’” Mikel explained, shedding light on the subtle temptations that exist in the world of elite sports. These substances were often offered in informal settings, making it harder for players to resist or recognize the dangers involved.
Despite the pressure, Mikel revealed that he was always cautious when it came to what he put into his body. “I always asked, ‘What is this? Is it legal?’” Mikel recalled. His inquisitive nature and refusal to take anything without understanding it first led him to reject these offers. “If I wasn’t satisfied, I would tell them to leave,” he added, emphasizing that players must take responsibility for their actions and decisions, especially when it comes to substances that could impact their health and careers.
The former Chelsea midfielder also stressed the importance of personal accountability in the game. “As players, we’re responsible for what we put in our bodies,” he said, underscoring the fact that professional athletes are expected to make informed choices about their health and wellbeing. Mikel’s words reflect a strong belief in integrity and self-discipline, values that he carried with him throughout his successful career.
Mikel’s revelation comes at a time when doping in football is once again under scrutiny, with fans, pundits, and authorities awaiting the outcome of the investigation into Mudryk’s failed drugs test.
