Sport

Leicester City midfielder left ‘laughing’ After Ndidi Addressed speech

Published

1 year ago

September 22, 2023

Silas

Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has said that he was ‘laughing’ at reports that he wanted to leave the club this summer, amid links to Nottingham Forest.

Leicester City midfielder left ‘laughing’ After Ndidi Addressed speech

The Nigeria international was linked with a move away from the club in the final days of the summer transfer window. It was reported that Forest had made a bid for him and that Ndidi wanted to move across the East Midlands.

That transfer never materialised, with Forest instead completing a deadline day deal for Ibrahim Sangare. Ndidi continued to be picked in Enzo Maresca’s starting XI despite the speculation over his future, and has featured in every game in all competitions so far this season.

Speaking about the speculation over his future in the summer, Ndidi has outlined a chat he had with Maresca. He also revealed his reaction to suggestions that he wanted to leave City.

To be honest no,” he told BBC Radio Leicester’s When You’re Smiling Podcast when asked if he ever thought that he would leave the club in the summer. “Because when he (Maresca) came, he tried to explain his philosophy and also the simplicity of the game and I just feel like it’s something I can actually learn from.

“I’ve been open minded to try and learn more on his philosophy and his style of game and it’s been going well. I’m happy that I’m here.

In Maresca’s system, Ndidi is adapting to a new position, the 26-year-old changing from a defensive midfielder to a more attacking number eight role. It’s bringing its rewards, with Ndidi already scoring three times this campaign, including a composed finish against Southampton. It’s a change that the player himself is enjoying.

“It’s been good, it’s the other side of my game,” he added. “As a child growing up I’ve always been a central defender and then turning into a number six and now enjoying the number eight position.

“It’s just the way I am, having an open mind to play any position I can possibly play on the pitch. Just trying to enjoy football, be myself and enjoy football.”