@kakuta44 I can see how you feel about Mikel here, (everyone can). I myself didn't like him at one point, saw him as reckless, irresponsible and too immature to be in the Chelsea team. However this season he proved me wrong, filling the shoes of Essien is no easy job and it's made him a more mature footballer. He's had a chance to be in the World Cup. A tournament all footballers DREAM of going to, to help their team win the most coveted trophy in the sport! And that's the EXACT reason why Mikel has pulled out. He realises he's not 100% fit and he realises it means his team is going to suffer because of it. You're using players like Rooney and Terry as an example? Well what if they played with an injury and it cost them the game? Let's say if Terry had an injured hamstring and then he can't run back with an opposing striker, that striker scores and knocks England out. We'd, without a doubt, ask the qustion "why was he playing when he knew he was injured?! He's cost us the game & tournament" I have nothing but respect for Mikel's decision, he's young and mature enough to bounce back and make the 2014 World Cup.