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John Obi Mikel confirms Botafogo interest but is 'still thinking about it'

John Obi Mikel was at Trabzonspor for less than a year, arriving from Middlesborough in the summer of 2019. VI Images via Getty Images

Former Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel has confirmed to ESPN that he is in discussions with Brazilian club Botafogo with a view to joining them after the coronavirus pandemic is over.

A decision is still some way from being reached, though, with Mikel saying: "Yes there has been interest and yes there has been negotiations.

"But I don't know yet. I am still thinking about it. Not sure yet."

Mikel, 32, left Turkish club Trabzonspor by mutual consent in February after declaring that he did not feel comfortable playing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the circumstances of his disengagement from Turkey, the Nigerian was not expected to be without a club for long and it has taken very little time for the offers to come in.

Botafogo, in the market for a midfielder, turned their attentions to the former Chelsea man after failing to land Yaya Toure, with reports saying the deal hit a roadblock because the Ivorien's wife did not want to live in Brazil.

Mikel is reported to be in regular contact with Botafogo boss Ricardo Rotenberg. A 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Mikel led Nigeria to a third place finish at the tournament in 2019 before announcing his international retirement. He also represented Nigeria at two World Cup tournaments.