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

N’Golo Kante has become the first Chelsea player to speak out on Roman Abramovich’s decision to sell the club and says the players at Stamford Bridge were ‘not prepared’ for the owner’s statement.

Abramovich’s 19-year spell in charge of the Premier League club is coming to an end after the Russian billionaire put Chelsea up for sale.

Chelsea have enjoyed almost unprecedented success during Abramovich’s ownership, winning five league titles and two Champions League trophies, but are searching for a new owner, with several parties interested.

Abramovich’s decision to sell up comes amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The 55-year-old is said to have close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, although he has denied this.

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Other Russian billionaires – including Everton-linked Alisher Usmanov have faced sanctions – and multiple Labour MPs have questioned why Abramovich has thus far escaped any economic repercussions.

Abramovich confirmed he was selling Chelsea in a statement released shortly before the club’s FA Cup clash with Luton Town on Wednesday night and Kante says he and his teammates were shocked by the announcement.

‘It’s something we were not prepared for, it came quickly,’ Kante told Sky Sports.

‘But 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.’

It was reported on Thursday that more than 2,000 civilians have died since Russia began their invasion of Ukraine and French World Cup winner Kante said he