Chelsea: Paying tribute to Kanté as he departs Blues for Al Ittihad

Ngolo Kante of Chelsea celebrates with the Champions League Trophy following their team's victory during the UEFA Champions League Final between Manchester City and Chelsea FC at Estadio do Dragao on May 29, 2021 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Ngolo Kante of Chelsea celebrates with the Champions League Trophy following their team's victory during the UEFA Champions League Final between Manchester City and Chelsea FC at Estadio do Dragao on May 29, 2021 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
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Despite nearly signing a new deal a few months ago, N’Golo Kante leaves Chelsea Football Club for Saudi Arabia on a mega contract.

A true genuine footballer that defines everything that is right about the game. That is what N’Golo Kante is and always will be. Never did he cause a fuss, or create any sort of drama. He simply had the smile to light up the entirely of west London. Not only can the west Londoners not replace him on the pitch, but his attitude both on and off the field of play was second to nobody. He drove around in an inexpensive Mini Copper for years before he was forced to upgrade. That was his personality, humble and never afraid to display is true self to the world.

After the contract talks between Chelsea Football Club and Kante stalled, there was always going to be a possibility that his tenure with the west London outfit will be over. According to Fabrizio Romano, Kante is has agreed to a two-year deal to join the Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad, the nine-time Saudi Pro League champions. Kante joins former Wolves and Tottenham manager Nuno Espirito Santo who most recently led his side to their first league title since 2009.

The news comes soon after Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema confirmed he would be departing the Spanish powerhouse on a mega-deal with the same club. You can’t blame a player from taking a deal that features salary that could reach €100m (£86.2m) a year. All you can do is shake your head in appreciation, and acknowledge the times he served as one of the best footballers in the world in a Chelsea kit.