Guardian

SUPER Eagles’ midfielder Mikel Obi has revealed his secret wish to be a bigger star than his childhood hero, David Beckham.

Beckham’s popularity has gone beyond the sport and has thus fetched the Manchester United former icon lucrative endorsement deals and sponsorships.

The Chelsea star told MTNFootball.com that he was therefore thrilled that he would come face to face with the England former star when Chelsea tackles Major League Soccer (MLS) All Stars in a pre-season game on Wednesday in Philadelphia.

“Our training is going very well and to now come face to face against one of the players I respect a lot in the world, David Beckham, will be one of the highlights of my pre-season here in the United States,” said Mikel, who, like Beckham, has the charisma and has already endorsed several brands and products in Nigeria.

“He was one of the players I adored when I was growing up, he has done well for himself and England. I am doing my best to be bigger than Beckham now. I have played with and against other stars, but I am thrilled I am facing Beckham.”

Other players who will be on MLS All Stars team include Arsenal’s former legend, Thierry Henry, and U.S. international star, Landon Donavan, who posted two stints at Everton.

On the game itself, Mikel said it would be a tough litmus test for the European champions as the manager was doing his best to put the team together after the arrival of several new signings.

“It will be an interesting and tough game, you know the MLS All Stars have some players who have played in the English Premier League and they know us,” he said.

“This is good for us, as the manager is accessing our fitness and how new players and old ones will play and understand ourselves before the league starts.”