DREAM Team skipper, John Obi Mikel has revealed that new Chelsea boss, Antonio Conte has urged him to return to London with the Rio Olympic men's football tournament gold medal.
He told Evening Standard of the UK: “It is difficult to leave Chelsea at this time,” he said. “But I explained to the club why I wanted to go and I thank them for their understanding and allowing me to be a part of this.
“The coach also gave me his blessing. He told me to make sure I do well and bring back the gold medal!
“Obviously, it is hard to be away because I want to impress the new coach. I had one week of pre-season training and you need more than that if you want to prove yourself to a new manager who wants to change everything around.
“It is a risk that I have taken but I am willing to stand by that. I hope after the Olympics I can go back and prove myself.”
Mikel who will be leading Nigeria's team out against Japan on Thursday night, will also carry the green-white-green flag during the opening ceremony.
