Former Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel was infamously wrapped up in a dramatic transfer saga between Man United and Chelsea 20 years ago and he believes Sir Alex Ferguson is still bitter
10:00, 14 Jan 2026Updated 11:33, 14 Jan 2026
John Obi Mikel does not think Sir Alex Ferguson has ever fully forgiven him after one of football’s great transfer sagas.
Chelsea legend Mikel famously did a last minute U-turn and snubbed Manchester United boss Fergie to move to Stamford Bridge instead.
Mikel joined up with Jose Mourinho at Chelsea and went on to enjoy a glittering 11 year career and that is the inspiration of a new fun advert for Google Pixel.
Twenty years on, Mikel says Fergie still brings it up whenever they see each other. Mikel plays along with various gags in the hilarious ad which even sees him snub a call from Fergie after seeing a note to call Jose.
Mikel said: “Nobody turns down Fergie, like you said! The gaffer never forgives! I met him a couple of times and he told me: ‘oh, yeah, I forgive you.’
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“But I think we both know he never forgives! Every time I see him he says to me: ‘That’s the one that got away.’
“For every player out there, if you have the opportunity to choose between don’t be afraid to go for the unknown. There might be something better out there. Don’t be scared to make big decisions.
“People often say to me: ‘Any regrets?’ I guess they think go to Manchester United and you might have won more trophies and the joy of playing for Sir Alex Ferguson.
Jonh Obi Mikel has relived his failed move to Manchester United(Image: )
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“But there’s never any regret. For me to turn down Manchester United to go to Chelsea which was a club which was transitioning, finding a way to win and also setting a new cukltuyre of the whole club and making history as well.
“That’s why I went to Chelsea to be my own person, to create my own history with Chelsea and this was such a great opportunity for me.
“For me, to make that change and switch was so important in my life. An important point in my career and for me to make that switch was absolutely brilliant so it was good fun to do this advert.”
Fans can follow in John Obi Mikel’s footsteps and #TransfertoPixel this January by trading in their old phone — and claim up to an extra £300. For more details, visit Google Store: Pixel 10 Smartphones
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