N’Golo Kante admits Chelsea players were ‘not prepared’ for Roman Abramovich sale

Kante says the players were shocked by the news

N'Golo Kante has admitted that the Chelsea squad were surprised by Roman Abramovich's shock decision to sell the club. The Russian billionaire, who became the Blues' owner in 2003, announced he would be handing over the 'stewardship' of Chelsea to the trustees of the club's charitable foundation on Saturday. However, as MPs called for the 55-year-old to be sanctioned, Abramovich revealed on Wednesday that he would be putting the club up for sale after 19 years of ownership. Several parties are said to be interested in buying Chelsea from the Russian owner, and midfielder Kante acknowledged that the players did not expect things to play out they way they have.

"It's something we were not prepared [for], it came quickly," he told Sky Sports News.

https://twitter.com/SkySportsPL/status/1499455818005159944 The Frenchman also urged his teammates to focus on their performances on the pitch, rather than worrying about what is going on away from the field.

"The only thing we can do, because we don't control these things, is to do the best that we have always done," Kante added.

"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.

Kante - who signed for Chelsea in 2016 from Leicester City - strongly suggested that, despite the ongoing situation at Stamford Bridge, players want to remind at the club and help the Blues battle for silverware.

He said: "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.'

Chelsea, who defeated Luton Town in the FA Cup on Wednesday night, are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Burnley.

Related links:

• Amanda Staveley says it’s ‘unfair’ Roman Abramovich is being forced to sell Chelsea
• Explained: What happens if Roman Abramovich can’t sell Chelsea?
• Conor McGregor wants to buy Chelsea FC from Roman Abramovich