Nigeria’s Mikel refuses to keep playing over Covid-19 fears

Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel has refused to keep playing for his Turkish club Trabzonspor over Covid-19 fears.

Expected to keep playing in one of the few competitions still continuing amid the spread of the coronavirus, Mikel has put his foot down and excused himself from competing in the top flight Turkish league.

“There is more to life than football,” he wrote on Instagram on Saturday.

“I do not feel comfortable and don’t want to play football in this situation.

“Everyone should be home with their families and loved ones in this critical time. [The] season should be cancelled as the world is facing such turbulent times.”

Football in England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France have all been suspended until further notice. In Turkey, meanwhile, games have continued to go ahead without any fans allowed to attend.

In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo