In what seems to be a support for Mikel and a condemnation of the African coaches that voted, his club, Chelsea FC paid special tribute in this article (the major part of it is publish below)
Actions speak louder than words, so the saying goes. However, an analysis of John Mikel Obi's 300 Chelsea appearances is perhaps best illustrated by those who have worked closest with him during that time - his managers, team-mates and coaches. They have overseen his progress from the highly talented 18-year-old that arrived in west London in the summer of 2006, to the strong, tactically astute defensive midfielder whose best performances have often come when it's mattered most.
According to Jose Mourinho, Mikel is 'a genius in his position', to the extent it is 'a miracle if he loses the ball'. The Portuguese, who signed the Nigerian seven-and-a-half years ago and is now managing him again, is not alone when it comes to those who have sung Mikel's praises since he moved to west London.
Luiz Felipe Scolari said 'he belongs in the position'. Carlo Ancelotti likened Mikel's style to his own, a compliment not to be taken lightly considering the Italian's own glittering playing career. Ray Wilkins, a lieutenant of both Ancelotti's and Guus Hiddink's before that, and an exceptional former midfielder himself, hailed Mikel as a player who 'reads the game exceptionally well, is as strong as an ox and has a lovely range of passing'. Andre Villas-Boas admired his 'amazing mental toughness' when he played on despite the abduction of his father in Nigeria, and, following our epic run to the Champions League final in 2012, Roberto Di Matteo stressed the significance of the 'vital' role he played throughout the latter stages of that glorious European campaign, highlighting disciplined defensive performances against Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Lampard, so often fielded next to Mikel over the years, in either a three-man or a two-man central Chelsea midfield, is well-placed to judge the Nigerian's assets.
'It's very good playing alongside Obi,' he tells the official Chelsea website. 'He's a top holding midfield player, and for me personally being more attacking in my game it helps to play with someone who has discipline and moves the ball quickly, which Obi can do.
'He's one of those players that will not make headlines, but he's happy to go unrecognised in his work and he has a huge worth for the team when he plays.'
That worth has helped us to domestic and European triumphs in recent years.
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