Retired Nigerian footballer Mikel Obi has opened up about a hamstring injury that required surgery after he participated in an Exhibition match.
Former Chelsea star Mikel Obi has shared the reason behind his recent hamstring surgery. The 36-year-old Super Eagles legend retired from professional football in 2022 and now hosts the podcast ObiOne.
Obi, who had a successful career with Chelsea from 2006 to 2017 before playing for clubs like Tianjin Teda, Stoke City, Trabzonspor, and Middlesbrough, posted photos of himself preparing for surgery.
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In a recent podcast episode, Obi explained the injury that led to his surgery. “I tore my hamstring, and I think it’s old age catching up with me,” he said. He was involved in an exhibition game with celebrities when the injury occurred.
“We didn’t warm up or stretch properly before playing dodgeball,” Obi continued. “I was just trying to run past the ball when I slipped. I felt my hamstring tear immediately. It was incredibly painful, and I was on the ground for nearly 20 minutes.”
Despite the severity of the injury, Obi has been receiving physical therapy and has since made a full recovery. He is now back on his feet and moving forward with his new ventures.