Middlesbrough’s manager Tony Pulis is delighted to complete the signing of John Obi Mikel on a six months loan deal.
The Nigeria captain opted to join The Teessiders despite attracting interest from German side Wolfsburg and AS Roma in Italy having been a free agent since the end of the Chinese Super League season in November.
“I’m pleased to get him in. He is a man with a lot of experience and quality,” Boro boss Pulis told Middlesbrough’s official website.
“He has a winning mentality and he wants to be here be a part of what we are looking to achieve.”
Mikel becomes Boro’s second addition in the January transfer window, following the arrival of Rajiv van La Parra on loan from Huddersfield earlier in the month.
The 31-year-old who had his first training session with his new teammates on Thursday will wear the number 2 shirt.
The former Chelsea player also becomes the third Nigerian player to feature for Middlesbrough after Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Bartholomew Ogbeche.