Former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has revealed that he was offered performance-enhancing substances during his time at Chelsea, shedding light on the pressures faced by professional footballers.
Mikel’s comments came in response to the recent suspension of Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who failed a drugs test earlier this week and was provisionally suspended by the Football Association. Mudryk, a Ukrainian international, has since denied any wrongdoing, stating that he has “not done anything wrong.”
Speaking on the *Obi One Podcast*, Mikel expressed support for Mudryk, emphasizing the principle of innocence until proven guilty. “For him and his family, I hope he is innocent,” Mikel said.
Reflecting on his own experiences, the former Chelsea midfielder recounted how individuals, including friends or acquaintances, would occasionally approach players with substances promising enhanced performance.
They’d say, ‘This will give you an extra one or two percent in your game.’ I always asked, ‘What is this? Is it legal?’ If I wasn’t satisfied, I would tell them to leave,” Mikel explained.
He stressed the importance of personal accountability, adding, “As players, we’re responsible for what we put in our bodies. For now, Mudryk deserves the benefit of the doubt.”
The situation has reignited discussions about doping in football, with fans and pundits awaiting further investigations to determine Mudryk’s fate.
