Okocha, Mikel or Kanu? Leicester ace Ndidi reveals Chelsea legend inspired him to become a footballer

Leicester ace Wilfred Ndidi has revealed that Chelsea's legendary midfielder John Obi Mikel inspired him to become a footballer.

Nigerian legends Austin Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu both graced the Premier League but Ndidi admitted that Mikel was his Premier League idol growing up. 

Mikel was one of the finest defensive midfielders during his playing days, though he started his career as an attacking midfielder, and he at times played a more attacking role when playing for the Super Eagles.

He had a successful spell at Stamford Bridge, winning several laurels including two Premier League titles and UEFA Champions League and was named as the club's Young Player of the Year on two occasions.

Mikel also retired as a Super Eagles legend, winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations as well as helping the Nigerian side win three AFCON bronze medals.

Just like the former Chelsea star, Ndidi burst onto the scene as a defensive midfielder, establishing himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League at some point.

Speaking with the Premier League's YouTube channel, the Nigeria international revealed how much influence Mikel had on his career.

"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. 

The 27-year-old also spoke about how much he feels to be playing in the Premier League as a Nigerian footballer.

"It feels so good. Back home, the Premier League is so massive and everyone wants to support Nigerian players. They are so aggressive watching the league, it's amazing.

"There is easy assess viewing the Premier League in Nigeria. The awareness of the Premier League is so huge than other leagues in the world so that's the main reason."

Ndidi moved to the Premier League in 2017, having joined Leicester City from KRC Genk and has made 202 appearances in the competition, scoring seven goals and notching 13 assists.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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