Antonio Conte: Fans sympathise with Tottenham boss after latest interview suggest he is ready to leave club
FootballN'golo Kante Sends Urgent Message to Chelsea Teammates Amid Impending Sale of Club
- Kante said the entire Chelsea squad was ‘shocked’ by the announcement that the club had been put up for sale by Roman Abramovic
- Abramovic has been Chelsea owner since 2003 in a period which has been the most successful in the club’s history
- The Chelsea midfielder however urged his teammates to focus on ‘what they can control’ amid uncertainty in the club
Midfielder N'Golo Kante has admitted Chelsea players were completely caught off-guard with news that Roman Abramovic had put the club up for sale.
Abramovic made the sensational decision to sell the club in a statement on Wednesday, March 2, just hours to Chelsea’s FA Cup fifth round with Luton.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Russian billionaire decided to hand over the 'stewardship' of Chelsea to the trustees of the club's charitable foundation in a move which was seen as one to protect the club.
But amid growing pressure to have sanctions imposed on Abramovic for his close ties with Russia President Vladimir Putin, the 55-year old opted to put the club up for sale altogether.
Speaking on the fast developments in the West London club, Kante said:
“It's something we were not prepared [for], it came quickly,”
“The only thing we can do, because we don't control these things, is to do the best that we have always done.
“Which means that playing football at the best [possible level], for us, for the club, for the fans and see how the things are going and it's the only thing we can control,” he added.
There is a growing concern that Abramovic’s departure could lead to mass exodus of players.
Kante, however hinted at remaining at the club regardless of whether the Russian was owner or not.
“Since I came here I’ve spent many great seasons, with the team, the managers and the fans.
'I hope we can carry on like this, keep winning, and that’s the way I see the future,” he said as quoted by Daily Mail.
Cristiano Ronaldo speaks out on Russia-Ukraine crisis with powerful statement
FootballChelsea will be back in action in the Premier League, as they look to build on the win against Luton when they take on an unpredictable Burnley on Saturday, March 5.
John Terry criticized for celebrating Abramovic
Meanwhile, Sports Brief earlier reported of how John Terry was the subject of criticism online for a message he shared on Twitter celebrating Roman Abramovic.
Terry posted a picture of himself lifting the Premier League trophy alongside Abramovic with the caption, “The best”.
The post has since received more than 10,000 retweets, and thousands of comments, including one from Labor MP Chris Bryant, who was not impressed with the Chelsea legend.