Nigerian singer Mr Eazi has claimed that Chelsea Football Club approached him over a possible signing before the English Premier League side secured the services of former Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel.
The singer made the revelation during an interview with Beat FM, monitored by PUNCH Online on Wednesday, explaining that he chose to pursue a music career while Mikel went on to establish himself in professional football.
According to Mr Eazi, both men were linked to a potential move to Chelsea, but he decided to focus on his musical ambitions instead.
“They were gonna sign me. So it was like me and Mikel Obi,” he said.
Mr Eazi added that he believed Mikel was better suited to football, while he was prepared to follow his own path in music.
He also drew a comparison between that decision and his approach to the music industry, suggesting that he was comfortable stepping aside to allow others to enjoy the spotlight while he pursued his own goals.
“So with this, with the music too, I had to, like, step back, go make a couple billions and then let other people shine,” he added.
The singer referenced fellow Nigerian artiste Seyi Vibez, whom he jokingly described as a great Nigerian philosopher for promoting the idea of allowing others to succeed.
Quoting the phrase, “Let your brother shine,” Mr Eazi said he was comfortable with others taking centre stage while he continued to pursue his ambitions.
Mikel joined Chelsea in 2006 and spent more than a decade at the club, winning several major honours, including two Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.
He also represented Nigeria at international level, becoming one of the country’s prominent midfielders during his playing career.
Meanwhile, Mr Eazi has established himself in the Nigerian and international music industries, becoming known for his distinctive sound and contributions to the growth of Afrobeats.
