Chelsea: Kante reveals he was surprised by Abramovich's departure

The Chelsea owner will leave Stamford Bridge after spending 19 years at the club.

Following Russia’s attacks on Ukraine, Roman Abramovich came under fire for his alleged ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

After days of speculations by politicians and media, the Russian owner announced his decision to sell the club on Wednesday. N’Golo Kante is the first Chelsea player to have reacted to the news of Abramovich’s departure.

“We were not prepared,” he told Sky Sports. “It came quick. But the only thing we can do, because we don’t control these things, is to do the best as we have always done.

“That means playing football at our best for us, for the club, for the fans. It’s the only thing we control, and we want to do that.”

Abramovich also revealed he will all ‘net proceeds’ to victims of the Ukraine war. The news came amid widespread sanctions against the Russian oligarchs by the British government.

Kante added: “It’s sad to see things like this, and we can only hope it finishes as quickly as possible, in the best way.”

Kante rested when Chelsea defeated Luton Town 3-2 in the FA Cup on Wednesday. However, he will most likely return to the Blues’ lineup for their upcoming match against Burnley on Saturday.