STOKE City have confirmed that they have acquired the services of former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel on a free transfer.

Mikel returns to football in England after parting ways with Turkish club Trabzonspor in March.

The 33-year-old Nigerian spent 11 seasons at Stamford Bridge where he won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and a Champions League medal.

“We are delighted to have John at the club,” Stoke manager Michael O’Neill said in a statement.

“His career says it all and it underlines his caliber as a player. I was very impressed with him when we first met.

“It’s because he has laid out his plans for what he expects in the next phase of his career.”

The Potters, as Stoke are known, finished in 15th place in the Championship last season. – AP