Obi Mikel understands transfer pressure for Chelsea pal Kakuta

John Obi Mikel admits Gael Kakuta's complicated transfer row at Chelsea reminds him of his troubled move to Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United signed Mikel at the age of 18, only for Chelsea to insist they already had a contract with his agents, struck before he had left Africa.

The tangle took longer than a year to resolve and for some of that time Mikel was unable to play for any of the clubs.

"When you are young, a lot of people are getting into your head," said Mikel. "It was too much pressure. I just had to shut everyone up and concentrate and see what happened in the end. It took time but when I started playing, it was such a relief. It’s the same with Gael.

"I’ve spoken to him about it. He knew what had happened to me and I tried to tell him to calm down and continue working hard in training. Hopefully everything is going to be fine now."