Pulis: Mikel signing has lifted the team

Pulis: Mikel signing has lifted the team

By Abidoye Babatunde

Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis is delighted with the signing of former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, BSNSports reports.

Middlesbrough boss Tony Pulis says the signing of John Obi Mikel has given everyone at the club "a massive lift".

The 31-year-old Nigeria international joined Middlesbrough last week Thursday, and Pulis believes the midfielder's mentality - as well as his impressive CV - can have a positive impact in the dressing room. "He's a winner," Pulis said.

"He's had that experience, and Chelsea won almost everything with him as part of the team.

"A good player, and a winner, and hopefully that rubs off on everyone around the football club."

Mikel made nearly 400 appearances for Chelsea, winning two Premier League titles and the Champions League Mikel captained Nigeria at last summer's World Cup and returns to English football having been
a free agent since the end of the Chinese Super League season in November.

"There were lots of other clubs interested," added Pulis. "We spent a bit of time on it, and we've convinced him it'll be a good challenge for him.