Chelsea today says goodbye to club legend N’Golo Kante, with the midfielder
to join Saudi Professional League side Al-Ittihad at the expiration of his
contract.
The 32-year-old played a decisive role throughout his seven seasons at
Stamford Bridge and lifted the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League,
Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.
The World Cup was also claimed with France in 2018, but as Kante’s medal
collection swelled, he remained understated, humble, and immensely popular
with team-mates, coaches and supporters alike.
Co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: ‘N’Golo’s
impact and influence during his time at Chelsea cannot be overstated. His
tireless performances in midfield contributed to several trophy wins and has
guaranteed him a place in the club’s history. We wish him well as he embarks
on the next chapter in his career.’
Kante arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2016 having played a key
role in Leicester City winning the Premier League title. He instantly settled
into the Chelsea midfield and his ball-winning ability was fundamental to
Antonio Conte’s team securing an unexpected league crown.
Such was the France international’s influence across the 2016/17 campaign,
he was named PFA Player of the Year, the Football Writers' Association
Footballer of the Year and the Premier League Player of the Season.
At the end of the following campaign – which ended with an FA Cup final
triumph over Manchester United at Wembley – Kante was named Chelsea Player
of the Year by supporters.
Kante’s game evolved during his time at Stamford Bridge and he played in a
more advanced midfield role en route to Chelsea winning the 2019 Europa
League. The Frenchman, despite nursing an injury, starred in the final in
Baku as Arsenal were beaten.
An injury-impacted 2019/20 was overcome the following season, which ended
with Chelsea being crowned as European champions for the second time. Kante
was extraordinary in the knockout stages, winning player-of-the-match awards
in ties against Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and after Manchester City were
beaten in the final.
Thank you for everything, N’Golo.
https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/farewell-ngolo