Jordan Henderson has quickly endeared himself to Chelsea fans
John Obi Mikel
John Obi Mikel's comments haven't gone down well(Image: OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images)
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John Obi Mikel has felt the wrath of Chelsea fans after declaring that Jordan Henderson will never be "one of us." The England midfielder was a surprise summer signing for the Blues, who have reined in their transfer policy of buying expensive young players on large contracts.
The club has come to the realisation that the squad needs more experience and leadership, with Henderson, 36, being recruited alongside fellow veteran Danny Welbeck, 35. After recovering from the broken arm he suffered at the World Cup, the former Liverpool captain has hit the ground running.
After making his debut in the 3-0 defeat at previous club Brentford, Henderson helped get Chelsea back on track with a stunning brace in the Blues' 5-1 win over Bournemouth. Following his second goal, a sumptuous free-kick, he tapped the Chelsea badge, which didn't sit well with fans of other clubs, especially Liverpool supporters.
Meanwhile, Mikel admits he will struggle to warm to Henderson because of his Liverpool connections. Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, the former Chelsea midfielder said: "I have nothing against Henderson. He played for Liverpool, he's a Liverpool legend.
"I don't think he will ever be 'one of us' but he is playing for us right now and we have to support him. He's doing the job."
It seems Mikel didn't read the room as those comments haven't gone down well with some Chelsea fans who have quickly taken to the Sunderland-born middleman.
Jordan Henderson of Chelsea celebrates after the team's victory in the Premier League 2026/27 match between Chelsea FC and AFC Bournemouth
Jordan Henderson has made a quick start to life at Chelsea(Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
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One fan said: "This is not necessary. Does he have personal issues with Henderson? Why the hateful comments when a player has decided to give his all? Is Thiago Silva a Chelsea legend or PSG legend."
Another pointed out: "Henderson already has more goals for Chelsea in the EPL in just two appearances than Mikel has in 249 appearances. Mikel talks too much."
A third added: "We don't need this right now and I will forever see this as a rubbish statement. This is embarrassing for us, Mikel."
Jordan Henderson and John Obi Mikel in 2013
Henderson and Mikel (pictured in 2013) have had plenty of battles on the pitch(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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A fourth argued: "Henderson can be a Liverpool and Chelsea legend at the same time. We are good with that."
Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso is also delighted with Henderson, calling his display against Bournemouth a "complete performance." The Spaniard said: "We signed him for everything. If he's able to score two beauties like today, we are more than happy for him.
"But apart from the goals, he's done many good things. I think that today was a very complete performance."