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Legendary Nigerian midfielder Mikel Obi has disclosed that the arrival of French midfielder N’Golo Kant\u00e9 at Chelsea prompted him to consider his future with the London club. <\/p>\n
He mentioned that he was following Kant\u00e9 closely during his stint with Leicester City and was highly impressed with his work rate as a midfielder, noting his excellent running, interceptions, and energy levels. <\/p>\n
The former Super Eagles captain stated that Kant\u00e9\u2019s performance at that time was far superior to his own, which would earn him less playing time since they both played in similar positions. <\/p>\n
Speaking on a podcast, Obi said that he asked the Chelsea hierarchy for permission to leave the club when he knew his regular playing time would be in danger, which they agreed to. <\/p>\n
\u201cI was watching him [Kante] play for Leicester, and then when I knew he was coming to the club, I straight away knew my time was done, I needed to go. Because he doesn’t stop running. Sometimes when we make this sprint and you run with the ball and the action is finished, you go like, no, not Kant\u00e9, he will keep running back. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou’re thinking, how? Where did he get this energy from? And I saw him train a few times at the club when I was still there, and I straight away knew I was done. And I spoke to the club that it was time for me to go,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
Watch Mikel Obi’s video below:<\/b><\/p>\n Watch Sports Check with John Laryea below:<\/b><\/p>\n\n