Captain of the senior Nigeria national team John Obi Mikel played his first game for Chinese side Tianjin Teda in a friendly tie against Borrussia Monchengladbach II.
Mikel left for the Chinsese side after 11 years at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea, and yesterday put up a man of the match display despite not playing any form of club football in six months.
The Nigerian retained his shirt number at Chelsea, number 12 although he played in a different role from the usual role he use to play for the Blues during his time at the club.
He played in a more advanced midfield role and proved his mettle with neat, crisp passes to his fellow midfielders and strikers of the team.
Tianjin Teda are warming up for the start of the Chinese League and the capture of Mikel is one of the numerous steps they have taken to reposition their team for a better outing.
