Mikel John Obi has explained quitting Trabzonzpor, stating he received threats after complaining about the League continuing amid Europe's coronavirus outbreak.

The Turkish side did not react well and former Chelsea midfielder Mikel revealed to the Times he felt backed into a corner.

He said: "I wanted to win the league too but at this point in time we have to think about what is more important: to save peoples' lives.

“That's what happened and they said, 'If you go, you're not coming back.'

"They wanted to threaten me and I said, 'If that's what you want to do then fine, I will cancel the contract.

"I will go and be with my family."

Mikel's £35,000-a-week deal ran until 2021 but he had been assured of an extra year.

But the former Middlesbrough man is unfazed.

He added: "I told the club, 'OK, if that's what you're saying, I'm ready to give up my contract.

"To be with my family, to help the world to do the right thing — everybody needs to stay at home at this point in time.'

“I have taken a financial hit by taking this stance. It is worth every single penny, I'm telling you.

"To see my kids happy and fine, to know we will survive this together; the only way we can beat this is by being at home with your family, taking care of your family, your neighbour."