Ex-Middlesbrough midfielder issues strong statement as Leeds and West Brom make training ground call

John Obi Mikel left Middlesbrough in the summer of 2019.

Former Middlesbrough and Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has left Turkish club Trabzonspor by mutual consent after voicing his concerns about the coronavirus outbreak.

While many leagues in Europe have suspended fixtures for safety reasons, the Turkish Super Lig have continued to play games behind closed doors.

And Mikel, who spent half a season at Boro in 2019, took to Instagram on Saturday to make his views known.

“There is more to life than football. I do not feel comfortable and do not want to play football in this situation,” the Nigerian international posted.

"Everyone should be home with their families and loved ones in this critical time. (The) season should be cancelled as the world is facing such turbulent times.”

"Season should be cancelled as the world is facing such turbulent times."

Mikel signed a two-year contract with Trabzonspor last summer, yet it was confirmed on Wednesday that his contract had been terminated.

Boro training as normal

Back at Boro, the squad have continued to train as normal despite the decision to postpone fixtures.

Some clubs in the Premier League and EFL have suspended training due to the coronavirus pandemic, while Leeds and West Brom have stopped group sessions this week.

The EFL released a statement yesterday confirming they intend to complete the 2019/20 campaign.

Games are still scheduled to resume on April 3, though many expect the suspension to be extended.

Away draw for Boro in virtual tournament

Finally, Boro are one of 128 teams which will be involved in a FIFA 2020 tournament organised by Leyton Orient’s social media team.

The competition has been labelled Ultimate Quaran-Team and is set to start on Sunday.

Boro will be represented by on loan Manchester City striker Lukas Nmecha and have been drawn away to Huddersfield in the first round.

A statement from Orient read: “The initiative is one borne out of the desire to bring clubs together during a time of unprecedented measures.”

Orient have set up a JustGiving page. Money raised will go towards helping cash-strapped EFL clubs as well as the MIND charity and research into Covid-19.