The father of John Obi Mikel, the Chelsea midfielder, has been reported as missing since Friday amid fears he may be the latest close relative of a footballer to be abducted and held for ransom in Africa.
Mikel, 24, was apparently informed of the distressing news on Friday but was adamant he would still play for the Blues in their visit to Stoke City yesterday, where he put in a commanding performance in a 0-0 draw.
The Nigerian international has received the full support of those at his club, with Chelsea releasing the following statement on their website this morning,
‘Everyone at Chelsea Football Club was very concerned to hear that John Mikel Obi’s father has been reported as missing and possibly abducted. We will give Mikel and his family our full support at this most difficult time.’
Here at VitalChelsea, our thoughts are with Mikel and his family and we pray earnestly for the safe return of his father.
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