Mikel Obi also noted that the Premier League would not have been a reference point if it had only English players
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Super Eagles midfielder, John Mikel Obi, has reminded Liverpool legend, Jamie Carragher, that he did not win any laurel with England during his playing career following his “ignorant and disrespectful” comments about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The former Nigerian captain made his feelings known on his podcast, where he also demanded that Carragher should issue a “massive apology.”
Carragher had claimed that Mohamed Salah’s inability to win a “major tournament” placed the Egyptian forward at a disadvantage when it came to Ballon d’Or voting.
He said: “I think the problem [is] the fact he’s with Egypt, and he’s probably not playing in the major tournament as such or maybe got a great chance of winning.
“I think it’s either the Champions League or the major tournament.
“Normally, the player who excels in that, like Vini Jr and (Kylian) Mbappe right now, Real Madrid looking really good going for the Champions League.”
ALSO READ: Carragher claims AFCON isn’t a major tournament, Richards, Sturridge disagree
His dismissal of AFCON has not sat well with many, especially former players who have represented their countries in the continental tournament.
Reacting, Mikel Obi, who played for Nigeria at the 2013 AFCON, argued that Carragher’s comment was disrespectful.
He went on to note that the Premier League wouldn’t have been so successful if it had only English players.
Speaking on the show, Obi said: “It’s so disrespectful what he said, and this is coming from someone who never won any major international competition with England.
“His statement was absolutely wrong. I hope he will come out and make a massive apology because he owes people around the world an apology.
“[It was] ignorant to disrespect such a wonderful tournament. If you think that the Premier League would be what it is today with just the English players, you’re fcking having a laugh, mate.”
