Chelsea’s Manager, Jose Mourinho, has urged John Obi Mikel to stay at the club as he is a likely candidate for the Blues’ captain armband once present skipper John Terry takes his exit.

The Super Eagles star has spent nine years with the blues since his controversial move from Norwegian side, Lyn Oslo, in 2006 and has since gone on to win two premier league titles 2009/2010, 2014/2015 season, four FA cup title 2006/2007, 2008/2009 2009/2010 and 2011/2012 seasons respectively, two league cup 2006/2007 and 2014/ 2015 season, one FA community shield 2009 season, one UEFA champions league 2011/2012 season, one UEFA Europa league 2012/2013 season. Mikel has 224 caps for his club adding four goals to his credit.

With 34-year-old Terry’s career with the London side winding down, it means the English champions will have to select a new skipper and Mourinho feels Obi – the team’s second longest serving player – may be accorded the honour of wearing the skipper’s armband.

“Mikel is, after Terry, the longest serving player at the club,” Mourinho told UK Daily Mail.

“I think (Cesc) Fabregas has personality for a captain too. Eden is coming with big status now and was voted one of the top 10 players in Europe last year.

“In my opinion he should be in the top three not in the top 10. Let’s see what is going to happen but we have these people. But let’s say John and Branislav are our captains and the others are ready to come,” he said.

Mikel recently ended speculation over his Chelsea future by insisting he is happy at Stamford Bridge. The 28-year-old was linked with the likes of Al Ain and Fenerbahce during the transfer window but decided to remain with the Blues till 2017 despite the interests.