FORMER Middlesbrough midfielder John Obi Mikel has had his Trabzonspor contract terminated by mutual consent over a dispute surrounding the coronavirus.

Mikel, who won the Premier League and Champions League with Chelsea, took to Instagram to protest that matches in Turkey were still going ahead despite the pandemic.

The Turkish Super Lig is one of the only top-level leagues in Europe not to have postponed matches, with games taking place behind closed doors.

And on Saturday Mikel voiced his displeasure, writing on Instagram: “There is more to life than football. 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.”

The 32-year-old former Nigeria international joined Trabzonspor on a two-year deal last summer after his spell at Middlesbrough.

Tony Pulis, before leaving the Riverside at the end of last season, signed him last January as a free agent after a spell in China. Mikel has now forfeited any remaining payments in order to leave Trabzonspor early.