(Reuters) – Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante stated the Premier League group’s gamers have been caught off guard by Roman Abramovich’s choice to promote the membership following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine however urged them to remain targeted on their quest to complete within the prime 4.
Russian Abramovich stated on Wednesday he would promote Chelsea after 19 years amid rising calls for sanctions on the metals magnate, just like these imposed on different Russian oligarchs, following Russia’s invasion.
Abramovich has made huge fortunes for the reason that break-up of the Soviet Union however denies shut hyperlinks to Russian chief Vladimir Putin, whose nation calls its actions in Ukraine a “particular operation.”
“It was one thing we weren’t ready for,” Kante instructed Sky Sports on Thursday, referring to the announcement by Abramovich.
“It got here fast, however the one factor we will do as a result of we do not management this stuff, is do as greatest what we’ve all the time accomplished … enjoying soccer.
“Playing soccer is one of the best for us, for the membership and for the followers … it is the one factor that we management and we need to try this.”
Chelsea, third within the English prime flight with 50 factors from 25 matches, tackle Burnley on Saturday.
“We are in a great place for the highest 4, we’re absolutely targeted on going recreation by recreation and securing that,” the French participant stated.
“It is not going to be simple as we nonetheless have to win many video games however we prepare exhausting and hope to do it, beginning this weekend.”
(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Robert Birsel)
