Nigeria, May 28 -- Former Super Eagles captain and Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi, has revealed why he snubbed Manchester United for Chelsea in 2006 during a video interview with TNT Sports.

In 2006, after the U-17 FIFA World Cup, Mikel Obi was considered one of the most promising talents in football, alongside Lionel Messi. He was courted by two of the biggest English clubs at the time-Manchester United and Chelsea-but ultimately chose Chelsea, even though Manchester United had already unveiled him with jersey No. 21.

The 38-year-old recounted that Manchester United's negligence cost them the opportunity to sign him, and Chelsea, upon realizing this, took advantage:

"My first trial was with Manchester United after my U-17 tourname...