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By: Johnny Edward.
Chelsea teenage midfielder, Lesley Ugochukwu, is eager to emulate Mikel Obi at Stamford Bridge, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Mikel enjoyed a trophy-laden career at Chelsea, winning nine titles in 11 years at Stamford Bridge and scoring six times plus 13 assists in 372 appearances.
The former Nigeria captain left Chelsea in 2017 having won the Premier League twice, FA Cup four times, League Cup twice, as well as the Champions League and Europa League.
And Ugochukwu singles out Mikel as an early inspiration, with their shared position and heritage.
The 19-year-old plays as a defensive midfielder and also has his roots from Nigeria, just like Mikel.
“Just look at all the trophies he (Mikel) has won and the legends that have passed through the club,” Ugochukwu told the club website.
“They say I can become a great midfielder like him, if I put in the work and everything goes well. I want to be like him but it’s up to me to prove that I can have my place in the long term. I wanted to take this step. When a club of this stature comes in for you, it’s very difficult to refuse.
“I have great confidence in myself, in my qualities, in what I can do. I know that if I do things correctly, everything will go as planned. I have the trust of the club, of the staff, that’s what pushed me to say to myself: Go for it! If they came for you, it’s because you have the qualities.”
Ugochukwu was born in Rennes in north-western France. His uncle, Onyekachi Apam, represented the Super Eagles, and though Ugochukwu has featured for the French U-21 team he reveals that his roots have helped him adjust to life in England.
“The adaptation is going well. I’m still living in a hotel, it’s a bit unusual but soon I will have my home. In the team, there are quite a few French people, and I open up to everyone. I have parents of Nigerian origin so it’s easier speaking English, too. My parents live in Rennes. Of course, sometimes I would like to see them more often, but that’s how life is. Mentally I was prepared.