In this June 21, 2019 photo, Nigeria's midfielder John Obi Mikel attends a press conference at the Alexandria stadium in Alexandria, northern Egypt, on the eve of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) football match between Nigeria and Burundi. (GIUSEPPE CACACE / AFP)

RIO DE JANEIRO - Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has confirmed that he is in talks with Botafogo about a possible move to the Rio de Janeiro club.

Botafogo began sounding out the John Obi Mikel's representatives last month after aborting a pursuit of former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure

Botafogo began sounding out the Nigerian's representatives last month after aborting a pursuit of former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure.

"Yes there has been interest and yes there have been negotiations," Mikel told ESPN. "But I don't know yet. I am still thinking about it. Not sure yet."

ALSO READ: John Mikel Obi on Botafogo radar

Mikel, 32, is a free agent after parting ways with Turkey's Trabzonspor last month.

Botafogo have already made one marquee signing this year, with Japanese playmaker Keisuke Honda joining on a free transfer in January.

Brazil's major football competitions have been suspended since mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic.