John Obi Mikel has left Trabzonspor by mutual consent, the Turkish club announced on Tuesday.

The former Super Eagles captain only joined the Super Lig side this summer on a two-year deal following a brief spell in the English Championship with Middleborough.

While neither party disclosed any reasons for the parting of ways, Obi’s departure may not be unconnected with his displeasure with how Turkish football authorities have dealt with the raging coronavirus pandemic.

On Saturday, the 32-year-old former Chelsea midfielder criticised authorities for going ahead with league matches when other European nations had cancelled or postponed their leagues in response to the pandemic.

He then reportedly refused to play in Trabzonspor’s home fixture against Istanbul Basaksehir on Sunday.

“The professional football player agreement between our company and John Obi Mikel on 30.06.2019 start date 31.05.2021 has been mutually terminated. With a mutual termination agreement, the football player gave up all his forward-looking receivables,” a club statement said.

Obi played a crucial role in his time at Trabzonspor making 19 appearances in the Super Lig and leaves with the club top of the league.