N’Golo Kante admits Chelsea players were ‘not ready’ for the news that Roman Abramovich wants to sell the club.
Abramovich announced on Wednesday that he had made the “incredibly difficult” decision to put the club up for sale and donate the net proceeds to victims of the war in Ukraine.
In a statement, he said the sale “will not be rushed, but will be done through a fair process”, adding that he will not ask the club to repay the loans.
Abramovich’s decision came amid sanctions threats against other Russian companies and prominent figures after the invasion of Ukraine a week ago.
The 55-year-old oligarch has previously been photographed with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
And while it was claimed last week that Abramovich was not involved in politics, a spokesman for the Blues owner hinted on Monday that he was ‘trying to help’ reach a peaceful solution. to the conflict.
Kante admits the players were shocked to hear the news hours before their FA Cup win over Luton kicked off.
He said, “We weren’t prepared. It came quickly. But all we can do, because we can’t control these things, is do the best thing we’ve ever done.”
“That means we have to do our best, for the club, for the fans. It’s the only thing we have control over and we want to do that.”
Speaking about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kante said: “It’s sad to see these things and we can only hope it ends as soon as possible.”
Kante, who turns 31 this month, is fully committed to Chelsea’s cause and has no intention of leaving Stamford Bridge.
He added: “Most of the games are over [this season] and we are in a good position for the top four. It won’t be easy, we have a lot of games to win.”
Since I arrived here, I have had many great seasons, many successes with players, coaches and supporters.
“I hope we can continue like this: continue to win, continue to celebrate many great successes. This is how I see the future. »