Chelsea teenage midfielder, Lesley Ugochukwu, is aspires to follow in the footsteps of Mikel Obi at Stamford Bridge.
Mikel had a highly successful tenure at Chelsea, securing nine titles during his 11-year stint at Stamford Bridge, while also contributing with six goals and 13 assists in 372 appearances.
Mikel Obi, the former Nigeria captain, ended his 11-year tenure at Chelsea in 2017 with a trophy cabinet that included two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, the Champions League, and the Europa League.
And Ugochukwu identifies Mikel as an early source of inspiration, citing their shared position and heritage.
At 19 years old, he operates in the defensive midfield role and shares Nigerian heritage, similar to 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, north-western France. Ugochukwu has ties to Nigeria through his uncle, Onyekachi Apam, who played for the Super Eagles. While he has also represented the French U-21 team, Ugochukwu credits his Nigerian heritage for aiding his transition 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.
“Signing for a club like Chelsea means something for them, too. In Nigeria, it is one of the big clubs that everyone supports. They were super happy. At home we are always happy, and to see that there has been this good news in our family is great. My parents did a lot for me and my brothers and sisters. It’s important to give back to them what they gave me.”