The death stare I got from Sir Alex Ferguson — Mikel Obi

Former Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi has shared an intriguing anecdote about his early encounters with legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Mikel revealed that he received a stern “death stare” from Ferguson after he opted to join Chelsea instead of the Red Devils.

However, over time, the Scotsman forgave him, and they went on to build a cordial relationship.

In 2005, Mikel was highly sought-after while playing for Lyn Oslo. Manchester United appeared to have secured a deal to bring him to Old Trafford in January 2006. However, Chelsea argued that they had already reached an agreement with the player and his agents before Manchester United’s involvement.

After Chelsea lodged complaints with FIFA, an agreement was eventually reached between the two clubs and Lyn Oslo, allowing Chelsea to secure Mikel’s services for a fee of £16 million. Reflecting on the aftermath of the controversial transfer, Mikel recounted a nerve-wracking encounter with Sir Alex Ferguson during a match between Manchester United and Chelsea.

Speaking on The Debrief Podcast, Mikel shared,

“I saw him one time, it was Manchester United against Chelsea. I was coming out of the dressing room, and as I was coming out of the door at the corner, he was coming out, and I just s*** myself.”

The Nigerian midfielder went on to explain that he stumbled on the stairs, prompting a fierce gaze from Ferguson.

Recalling the incident, Mikel added,

“I can’t remember what happened, I think I tripped up on the stairs. He looked at me, and he just walked out. He started chewing his gum and just walked out. It was a death stare.”

Despite the initial tension, Mikel mentioned that he later had the opportunity to meet Ferguson on several occasions, and they began discussing the controversial transfer incident.

Mikel Obi expressed that Ferguson eventually forgot about the incident and forgave him, leading to the development of a positive relationship between the two. The midfielder went on to enjoy a successful career at Chelsea, making 372 appearances for the club and becoming a key figure in their midfield setup.

The revelation by Mikel sheds light on the dynamics and emotions involved in high-profile transfer sagas, as well as the long-lasting impact they can have on the relationships between players and managers.

While the initial encounter may have been intimidating for Mikel, the subsequent forgiveness and understanding from Ferguson allowed both parties to move forward and focus on their respective careers.

As Mikel Obi reminisces about his time in English football, his story serves as a reminder of the intriguing narratives that unfold behind the scenes, often shaping the careers of players and leaving lasting impressions on legendary figures like Sir Alex Ferguson.