LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – N’Golo Kante has officially signed for Al-Ittihad and will do so on a free transfer after his contract with Chelsea expires, according to the club.
Kante is the most recent well-known player to be confirmed by the the Saudi Pro League after deciding to leave Chelsea and sign a three-year deal with freshly crowned champions Al-Ittihad.
The 32-year-old and Chelsea had been in negotiations for a new contract, but nothing was ever decided.
On 30 June, the French World Cup champion will formally leave the Blues and make a free transfer to Al Ittihad, where he would allegedly earn €86 million ($109.78 million) year.
Kante helped Leicester City win the Premier League title the previous season and then joined Chelsea in July 2016 for £30 million.
After almost seven years, the defensive midfielder—who helped the Blues win the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup during his tenure with the team—will be remembered as one of the most significant players in recent club history.
He will now team up with fellow countryman Karim Benzema at the Jeddah-based Al-Ittihad after Cristiano Ronaldo’s January move to Al-Nassr.
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Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, pay tribute to Kante in a lengthy message posted on the team’s website.
“N’Golo’s impact and influence during his time at Chelsea cannot be overstated,” their statement reads.
“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.”
Benzema offered Kante a warm welcome in a video broadcast by Al-Ittihad’s official Twitter account.
He said: “Dear N’Golo, You were the best box-to-box player in the world, I told you one day. In the best Saudi team, I’m delighted to play with you once more. I’ll see you in Jeddah.”
In July, Kante will meet up with his new colleagues at Al-Ittihad, the recently crowned Saudi Pro League winners, in preparation for the upcoming season, which starts on 11 August.
