Leicester City move was an opportunity to boost my career – Ndidi

Wilfred Ndidi claimed he saw his move to Premier League side Leicester City as an opportunity rather than getting carried away with pressure.

After three seasons at Belgian top-flight side Genk, the Nigeria international joined the Foxes in a transfer deal worth £17 million.

At that time, the King Power Stadium giants were reigning English champions, plus they needed a replacement for N’Golo Kante who had joined Chelsea on a five-year deal.

The Frenchman played a starring role in Leicester’s English top-flight-winning campaign where he made 40 appearances while helping France reach the final of Euro 2016.

Despite adapting to life quickly at the Luminus Arena after his move from Nigeria’s Nath Boys Academy, Ndidi said he saw an opportunity to ‘develop’, thus, embraced the burden of expectations.

“The pressure I got was that they just won the league, [N’Golo] Kante left and they were looking for a replacement. Seeing this whole situation, it was very scary for me,” the 23-year-old told Out of Home Podcast.

“I was comfortable at Genk but it was like an opportunity for me to actually develop in my career. It was the right time for me to go because the club [Genk] wanted me to progress in my career.

“It was difficult at that time because I had to leave for another country and start afresh. Even during training, everyone wanted to see what I can do because the person who just left actually made a mark. So, the pressure was just there.

“But, I encouraged myself to be myself and not trying to fill in anybody’s shoes. All I wanted to do was make a mark for myself which is so possible; and after playing the first two games, I got comfortable.”

read also:How I overcame intimidation to make Nigeria’s squad – Ndidi

For Ndidi, playing in the Premier League, though, presented a different kind of spotlight but that came with its own challenges which were different from life in his Belgian elite division outfit.