With N’golo Kante all set to join Saudi Professional League side Al-Ittihad at the expiration of his contract, Chelsea Football Club today said farewell to the club’s legendary midfielder.
The 32-year-old played an impactful role throughout his seven-year spell at Stamford Bridge, where he played 269 matches, scored 13 goals, and recorded 16 assists.
Also, during Kante’s stay at Stamford Bridge, he lifted the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.
The Frenchman, who also won the World Cup with France in 2018, remained understated, humble, and immensely popular with teammates, coaches, and supporters.
Reacting to his exit from the club, 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 have 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 won the Premier League title with Leicester City. He instantly adapted to the Chelsea midfield, and his ball-winning ability was instrumental in Antonio Conte’s side securing an unexpected league title.
Kante’s play evolved during his time at Stamford Bridge, where he played in a more advanced midfield role en route to Chelsea winning the 2019 Europa League. Despite nursing an injury, Kante starred in the final in Baku, where Arsenal were beaten.
He was also instrumental in the knockout stages of the Champions League, winning man-of-the-match awards in ties against Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, and Manchester City after they were beaten in the final.
The Frenchman has also won the FA Cup title over Manchester United at Wembley, the 2016/17 PFA Player of the Year, the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year, the Premier League Player of the Season, and he was voted Chelsea Player of the Year by supporters.
