Mikel, 32, has seen his contract cancelled via mutual consent after expressing concerns of the Turkish top-flight continuing during the COVID-19 outbreak in Europe.
While the fixtures have been played behind closed doors, the impact it's had on Serie A and LaLiga teams have displayed how ineffective the measures have been.
And the Chelsea midfielder voiced his concern before the club announced the decision to end his stay, despite becoming a key figure en route to the summit of the table in the 2019/20 season.
"There is more to life than football," he wrote on Instagram after it was confirmed he gave up his wages to be released. "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. [The] season should be cancelled as the world is facing such turbulent times."
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