Former Chelsea player Jon Obi Mikel has left Turkish side Trabzonspor because matches in the country are still going ahead.
Mikel, who played 368 games for Chelsea between 2006 and 2017, said he did not feel comfortable with top-flight matches in Turkey being played despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The Super Lig club confirmed in a statement that the Nigerian midfielder, who joined them on a free last year and had a contract until May 2021, had left by mutual consent.
“There is more to life than football,” the 32-year-old player had said on Instagram on Saturday.
“I do not feel comfortable and don’t want to play football in this situation. Everyone should be home with their families and loved ones in this critical time.
“Season should be cancelled as the world is facing such turbulent times.”
Five of the most prominent leagues in Europe – England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France – as well as the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, have all been called off, but Turkish league matches are going ahead without supporters present.
The virus, which has infected more than 190,000 people and killed around 7,500 in the world, has also forced the postponement of the European Championship and Copa America. It has also affected other international sporting events.
