John Mikel Obi is set to move to Galatasaray and says he is confident that the Turkish side will agree a deal with Chelsea over a transfer fee.
The Nigerian midfielder asked former Blues striker Didier Drogba for advice about moving to the club.
Mikel says he has spent a long time at Chelsea and is looking forward to life in Istanbul.
Moving on: John Mikel Obi says he is going to leave Chelsea after many years
‘I’m very pleased with Galatasaray’s offer,’ Mikel told Sabah, a daily Turkish newspaper.
‘I asked Drogba for advice and he told me that Istanbul is a fantastic city, that Galatasaray is a huge club and that I have to make the move.
‘I have played at Chelsea for a long time and it’s now time for me to leave.
‘I’m still only 26 and it’s great to receive an offer from a club (Galatasaray) playing Champions League football and doing well in the competition.’
Pals: Mikel asked Didier Drogba (right) questions before deciding to move to Galatasaray
He continued: ‘Talks have reached an advanced level between Chelsea and Galatasaray. Chelsea won’t make the move difficult and regarding my salary there won’t be a problem.
‘All that is left is for the clubs to reach an agreement.’
Mikel was a player who split opinions among fans – some hailed him for his defensive aptitude and performances in big games while others chastised him for his lack of attacking nous.Â
Jose Mourinho signed him in 2006 after a protracted transfer saga which saw him on the brink of a move to Manchester United – even to the point he was pictured in their shirt.Â
Signed as an attacking midfielder but thrown into Chelsea’s first-team at the age of 19 by Mourinho, Mikel has matured in a defensive role in the seven years since.
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
