Soccer-Chelsea's Kante calls for focus after surprise of Abramovich sale

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Aston Villa v Chelsea - Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain - December 26, 2021 Chelsea's N'Golo Kante during the warm up before the match Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

(Reuters) - Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante said the Premier League team's players were caught off guard by Roman Abramovich's decision to sell the club following Russia's invasion of Ukraine but urged them to stay focused on their quest to finish in the top four.

Russian Abramovich said on Wednesday he would sell Chelsea after 19 years amid growing calls for sanctions on the metals magnate, similar to those imposed on other Russian oligarchs, following Russia's invasion.