“I always wanted the number twelve jersey” – Super Eagles midfielder draws career inspiration from Mikel Obi

Super Eagles and Leicester City midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, has revealed former Chelsea defensive midfielder, Mikel Obi, inspired him to become the player he is today, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 27-year-old moved to the English Premier League in the 2017 winter transfer window, joining Leicester City and has won the FA Cup, the Emirates Community Shield and the EFL Championships in that time.

Speaking about how he started his football career, the former Genk man revealed Mikel Obi as the reason he opted to play as a midfielder instead of playing as a central defender, highlighting the former Chelsea caved a pathway for him.

“It was Mikel Obi. He was the one who inspired me. I used to be a central defender, but I was so in love with Mikel. When I was younger, I wanted the number twelve shirt because of Mikel at Chelsea. Also he was in the Premier League, so yeah,” Ndidi said in an interview with the Uncut show on the English Premier League YouTube channel.

Quizzed about what it feels like to be a Nigerian footballer following in Mikel's path, the Leicester City midfielder said;

“As a player in the same role now, and in the Premier League, I feel so good. Even back home, everyone wants to get on it and support their Nigerian footballers. They're so aggressive and they show a lot of intensity in watching the league, but it's amazing.”

The Foxes are currently 15th on the English Premier League table, and face a tough test by travelling to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on tomorrow.