Former Super Eagles captain and Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi, has disclosed that he was once offered performance-enhancing drugs during his time at Chelsea.
Mikel made this revelation while commenting on the provisional suspension of Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who failed a drug test earlier this week. Mudryk, who tested positive for a banned substance, has denied any wrongdoing, stating, “I have not done anything wrong.”
Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Mikel expressed support for Mudryk, emphasizing the principle of presumption of innocence.
“For him (Mudryk) and his family, I hope he is innocent,” Mikel said. “When I was playing, if someone offered me something, my first question would be, ‘What is it?’ I am responsible for what I put in my body, what I eat, and what I consume.”
The former Chelsea star revealed that players are often approached by individuals suggesting substances that purportedly enhance performance.
“People around you—friends, friends of friends—might tell you, ‘This will give you one or two extra percent in your performance.’ My response was always, ‘What is this? Is this legal?’ I would tell them to leave me alone because I didn’t want to take risks,” Mikel recounted.
Mikel underscored the importance of personal accountability in professional sports, urging athletes to be vigilant about what they consume.
As the investigation into Mudryk’s case continues, Mikel stressed that the young Ukrainian should be given the benefit of the doubt until proven guilty.
The incident has reignited discussions about doping in football, with Mudryk’s case being closely watched by fans and anti-doping authorities alike.
