Former Nigeria midfielder Mikel Obi slams Mourinho’s ‘clumsy’ remarks on Vinicius Jnr racism incident

Former Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel has openly criticized Jose Mourinho, describing the Portuguese coach’s recent comments about Vinicius Junior as “clumsy” and ill-judged.

The controversy erupted following a UEFA Champions League clash between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF, which reignited conversations around racism in football. Mourinho, while defending his player Gianluca Prestianni, questioned Vinicius Junior’s behaviour and celebration, drawing backlash from sections of the football community.

Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, Mikel, who played under Mourinho during his time at Chelsea F.C. expressed disappointment at his former manager’s stance. The ex-midfielder said he expected Mourinho to take a firmer stand against racism and allow proper investigations to take place, rather than criticizing the Brazilian winger’s celebration.

“So for him to come out and say ‘Oh yeah, Vinicius Jr shouldn’t have celebrated the way he did’, that was a clumsy, clumsy comment from Jose Mourinho,” Mikel said. “He will be the first, he knows, he will be the first to know ‘I’ve messed up here’. He is a smart, smart guy, a very smart guy, he knows.”

Mikel added that while he strongly disagreed with the remarks, he does not believe Mourinho harbours racist sentiments.