Former Super Eagles midfielder John Mikel Obi has retired from professional football.

Mikel announced his retirement from the game on Tuesday in a post on his social media handle.

“There is a saying that “all good things must come to an end”, and for my professional football career, that day is today” – Mikel posted on Instagram.

I look back at the past 20 years of my career, and I must say that I am very satisfied with all that I was able to achieve and more importantly the human it has helped shape.

“All of this would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, managers, clubs, coaches, teammates and most importantly my ever-loyal fans. You supported me through my highs and lows, even on days that I did not live up to your expectations. I say a big thank you.

“I will also like to encourage everyone who I may have inspired one way or the other in the course of my career to never give up on their dreams, for every time you think about quitting, remind yourself why you started.

“This is not goodbye, it’s the start of another journey, another chapter of my life. I look forward to what the future holds and I hope you will walk with me. Thank you.”

The 35-year-old won the African Cup of Nations with Nigeria in 2013, and played at two FIFA World Cup tournament.

He announced his retirement from international football after the third place finish at the African Nations Cup in 2019.

Mikel played for Plateau Utd, Lyn Oslo, Chelsea, Tianjin Teda, Trabzonspor, Middlesbrough, Stoke City and Qatar SC.