France’s World Cup-winning midfielder N’Golo Kante has joined Saudi Arabian champions Al Ittihad, the club said in a statement on Wednesday, joining up with compatriot Karim Benzema. “Kante is an Ittihad player now!” the club said on Twitter, while chairman Anmar al-Hailee tweeted: “Welcome to our new tiger Kante,” a reference to the team’s nickname. The 32-year-old becomes the latest in a line of European stars choosing to ply their trade in the desert kingdom, which is making big-money moves across elite sport.
A dynamic and industrious midfielder, Kante won the World Cup with France in 2018.
His club career also glitters. He won the Champions League and World Club Cup with Chelsea, as well as back-to-back Premier League titles with Leicester City and Chelsea.
Kante’s contract with the London club was set to expire this month and they paid him a handsome tribute in bidding him farewell.
“N’Golo’s impact and influence during his time at Chelsea cannot be overstated,” said Chelsea’s co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley in a club statement.
“His tireless performances in midfield contributed to several trophy wins and has guaranteed him a place in the club’s history.”
He has signed a three-year deal with Al Ittihad, the Jeddah-based team said in a statement, though it gave no details of how much Kante will earn.
The Saudi club said: “Kante’s addition to Al-Ittihad is considered one of the most high-profile and impactful signings in the club’s history.
“It is part of the club’s efforts to establish itself as a top choice for world-class players in the Saudi Professional League.”
