THE TRUTH IS OUT

Last updated : 13 May 2005 By Editor

New United 'signing' John Obi Mikel is claiming he was pressurised into signing for Manchester United. United signed him from Norwegian side Lyn Oslo last week, but everything about the deal seems odd. Chelsea had reportedly been interested in signing the Nigerian and thought they had got him until he signed for United. However in an interview with Sky Sports News Mikel explains things aren't what they seem

"I signed a contract with Manchester United and I didn't do that of my own free will,"

"I was put under a lot of pressure to do that. I was denied advice from my agent and people I trust and I didn't get much time to think about that.

"I did something I did not want to do. Because of the pressure from Mr Morgan (Andersen, Lyn's sporting director) and a representative of United it became too much.

"I was pushed and I had nobody on my side so I had to do it.

"I was denied a chance to have a week to think about it and get some independent advice from people so the pressure was too much."

He also says that he has had no contact from Chelsea but he seemed to welcome the idea of it

"I came into London and I have been in my hotel with my agent and haven't seen anyone or talked to anyone from Chelsea.

"I have no contact with Chelsea for now."

Meanwhile united have asked the Premier League to sort the mess out

"Manchester United has written to the FA Premier League to register the concerns it has over this matter," said an official Old Trafford statement.

"We have asked the Premier League to investigate formally as soon as possible."