Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has opened up on how the club’s former owner, Roman Abramovich, played a crucial role in securing the release of his kidnapped father in Nigeria.

Speaking during the Obi One Podcast Live event, Mikel reacted to former Chelsea captain John Terry’s emotional remarks about Abramovich, who Terry said was unfairly treated after being forced to sell the club. Terry admitted the situation made him feel “sick,” and Mikel said he shared the same sentiment.

“Roman cares deeply about everyone connected to him — whether it’s the players or the fans,” Mikel said. “I still remember when my father was kidnapped in Nigeria; he personally called me.”

The former Nigerian international went on to describe how Abramovich immediately offered assistance.

“He was very concerned and asked me, ‘Mikel, what do you need now? Is there anything I can do for you? Do you know how to rescue your father?’
I told him I hadn’t made contact with the kidnappers yet. Then he said, ‘Okay, give me 24 hours, and I’ll make sure your father returns safely.’”

Mikel recalled being shocked by Abramovich’s confidence.

“I thought, ‘My God, Roman, my father is in Nigeria, and I don’t even know where exactly. How could you possibly help?’ But he just told me, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll handle it.’ That was the kind of determination he had — almost gangster-like in his resolve — and it showed how much he genuinely cared for his players and the club.”

Reflecting on Abramovich’s legacy, Mikel credited him for transforming Chelsea into one of the world’s elite football clubs.

“Everything Chelsea has achieved today is because of Roman. He built this club into a global powerhouse. We’ve won so many trophies, and the success we enjoy now all started with him.”