John Obi Mikel played for Chelsea for over ten years, picking up two Premier League titles and three FA Cups for the Blues.
However, while he was an important member of a number of great Stamford Bridge teams, it will be one night that he may end up being remembered for most by Chelsea fans.
The Nigeria international was absolutely vital in their unlikely Champions League triumph in 2012, playing a starring role as Roberto Di Matteo guided the club to its title.
Advert
Mikel, who spent much of his time at Chelsea as a defensive midfielder while playing further forward for Nigeria, was asked to step up as a combined midfield destroyer and deep lying playmaker at the Allianz Arena.
With John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, Raul Meireles and Ramires all ruled out of the game with suspensions, Mikel came in and more than compensated for their absence at exactly the time he was needed.
Up against a midfield including Toni Kroos, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Muller in the middle, Mikel ran the show, both thwarting attacks from the trio and somehow finding the time to orchestrate Chelsea counter attacks.
Advert
Supporters have been remembering this epic performance this week, after the UEFA Champions League Twitter account shared highlights of Mikel's incredible showing.
Fellow hero on the night, Didier Drogba, who famously scored the last minute goal that took the game beyond 90 minutes and scored the winning penalty, clearly appreciated the work of his former teammate, posting the highlights with 'playmaker'.
Mikel himself will likely look back on the night as one of the peaks of his career, alongside helping Nigeria to their third African Cup of Nations in 2013 in international football.
Advert
Now plying his trade at Stoke City in the Championship, the midfielder has proven in his career that he can do it at the highest levelt as well as on a cold, rainy night in Stoke.
Fans certainly respect his achievements...
Topics: Football News, Chelsea News, Chelsea, Football, Champions League
