In a surprising move, Chelsea and France midfielder N’Golo Kante is set to join the Saudi Arabia champions Al Ittihad on a three-year contract. The 32-year-old Kante, who has been plagued by injuries, made only nine appearances for Chelsea in the 2022-23 season. With his contract at Stamford Bridge expiring at the end of June, this move marks a new chapter in his career.
Kante will be joining his compatriot Karim Benzema at Al Ittihad, as Benzema recently left Real Madrid and also agreed to a three-year deal with the Saudi club earlier this month. The prospect of the two Frenchmen playing together in Saudi Arabia adds an interesting dynamic to Al Ittihad’s lineup.
In an official statement, Chelsea FC bid farewell to their esteemed club legend, N’Golo Kante, acknowledging his contributions during his seven-year tenure at Stamford Bridge. Kante’s impressive list of achievements includes winning the Champions League, Premier League, Europa League, and FA Cup with Chelsea. Moreover, he played a pivotal role in France’s triumph at the 2018 World Cup.
The co-sporting directors of Chelsea, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, expressed their admiration for Kante’s impact on the team. They stated, “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.”
As Kante bids farewell to Chelsea, fans and football enthusiasts alike will reflect on his immense contributions to the club’s success. His relentless work ethic and midfield prowess have cemented his status as a beloved figure among Chelsea supporters. While it is the end of an era for Kante at Stamford Bridge, his legacy will endure, and his presence will be sorely missed in the Chelsea midfield.
Now, as he prepares to embark on a new journey with Al Ittihad, Kante will undoubtedly bring his invaluable experience and winning mentality to the Saudi Arabian league. The fans of Al Ittihad eagerly await his arrival, hoping that his arrival will bolster the team’s chances of achieving further success in the domestic and continental competitions.
Only time will tell how N’Golo Kante’s move to Al Ittihad unfolds, but one thing is for certain: his contributions to Chelsea’s history will be remembered, and his impact on the field will be sorely missed by the Blues.
