Leicester stalwart Wilfred Ndidi, has hailed the influence upon his career of legendary Nigeria midfielder John Mikel Obi.
According to the 27-year-old, it was the former Chelsea star who sparked Ndidi’s desire to pursue a career in English football.
In an exclusive interview with the Premier League’s YouTube channel, the Fozes' enforcer opened up about the significant role Mikel Obi played in his early years as a player.
Wilfred Ndidi’s career shaped by Mikel’s legacy
Ndidi admitted that Mikel Obi’s career left a lasting impression on him, inspiring him to follow in the footsteps of the legendary midfielder.
His playing style and achievements, including two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy with Chelsea, set a benchmark for many aspiring footballers from Nigeria.
Ndidi, now a key figure at Leicester City, recalls how Mikel's example motivated him to become a defensive midfielder.
As a young player, he admired Mikel so much that he even coveted the number 12 shirt, wishing to emulate the Chelsea legend's impact on the pitch.
“It was Mikel Obi that inspired me. I used to be a central defender. I was so in love with Mikel. When I was young, I wanted the number 12 shirt just because of Mikel when he was at Chelsea and also the Premier League,” Ndidi stated.
Since joining Leicester City in 2017, the Nigeria international has firmly established himself as one of the Premier League's top defensive midfielders, earning 202 appearances, seven goals, and 13 assists.
