Former Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi has denied making derogatory remarks on Real Madrid's quartet of Luka Modric, Toni Kross, Dani Carvajal and Nacho Fernandez.

Earlier reports suggested that the former Super Eagles midfielder criticized the Real Madrid legends, claiming it will be unfair for them to win five UEFA Champions League titles because they are not the greatest players in their respective positions.

“When you see players like Kroos, Nacho, Carvajal, and Modric getting 5 UCL trophies, it’s a bit unfair because these players are not even close to being the greatest in their positions,” Mikel reportedly said.

“It shows that trophies can be misleading. I can name 10 players in the same positions who are greater than these players.”

Mikel Obi's purported comment came days to Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League final clash against Borussia Dortmund in Wembley, where Los Blancos beat the Bundesliga side 2-0 to clinch their record 15th UCL title courtesy of goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior.

The alleged controversial statement sparked social media backlash from displeased fans.

In a latest development, the 37-year-old has come out to refute the report, calling it is fake news.

“That’s bulls**t. The human being who’d come out and say that Luka Modric, Carvajal, Kroos and Nacho are not good enough is unbelievable. These guys are world-class footballers. I never said something like that, and I’ll never say something like that. If you see someone who says something like that, you’d think he’s insane. That was fake news,” Mikel said on the Obi One Podcast.

Mikel added that Modric, Kroos, Carvajal and Nacho are legends of the game who have his respect and admiration.

“Carvajal is probably a Ballon d’Or nominee. For someone who knows the game and plays the game, I can never say something like that. I met Luka and he was all smiles. He didn’t even believe I’d say something like that. My utmost respect goes out to these guys, they’ve made football what it is today. They’re the legends of the game, Legends of Real Madrid. They’ve won the Champions League six times, and you say they’re not good? Come on,” he concluded.