Wilfred Ndidi, a midfielder for Leicester City, has reportedly expressed his ‘laughing’ at suggestions that he intended to leave the team this summer amid links to Nottingham Forest.
In the last days of the summer transfer window, the Nigerian international was mentioned in connection with a transfer away from the team. Ndidi reportedly wanted to transfer across the East Midlands and that Forest had made a bid for him.
That transfer never happened, and on the final day of the transfer window, Forest instead acquired Ibrahim Sangare. Despite rumors about his future, Ndidi was still chosen for Enzo Maresca’s starting lineup, and he has played in every game across 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.
When asked if he ever considered leaving the club in the summer, he replied, “To be honest, no,” according to the When You’re Smiling Podcast on BBC Radio Leicester. “I simply feel like it’s something I can truly learn from, because when he (Maresca) came, he tried to explain his philosophy and also the simplicity of the game.
“I’ve been willing to try and understand more about his mindset and his playing technique, and so far it’s been successful. I’m glad to be here.
“I didn’t want to go at any point. When I saw the news, I would occasionally just chuckle because it wasn’t true.
Ndidi, 26, is adjusting to a new position in Maresca’s system as he moves from a defensive midfielder to a more offensive number eight position. Ndidi has already scored three goals this season, including a cool-headed goal against Southampton, proving that it is paying off. The athlete is taking pleasure in the alteration.
“It’s been good, it’s the other side of my game,” he continued. “As a little child growing up, I was always a central defender. Later, I switched to the number six position, and now I love playing the number eight position.
“It’s just the way I am; I’m willing to play whatever position on the field that is available to me. Trying to be myself, enjoy football, and just have fun.
Leave a Reply