N’Golo Kante has joined Saudi Arabian giants Al-Ittihad from Chelsea on a three-year deal.
The Frenchman of Malian descent draws the curtain on his seven-year career at Stamford Bridge where he made 269 competitive appearances, scoring 13 goals and providing 16 assists, winning the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, UEFA Europa League and FA Cup.
Kante has struggled with injuries in recent seasons and was limited to just 685 minutes of competitive action on the pitch during the just-concluded 2022-23 season.
Al-Ittihad took to social media to post a video with a caption that read: “Don’t believe in fake news. Kante is an Ittihad player now.”
Don't listen to the fake news⛔️
Kanté is an Ittihad player now! ✍️???????? to ????#WelcomeBox2Box
— Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) June 20, 2023
Kante will team up with campatriot Karim Benzema who also agreed a three-year deal with Al-Ittihad as his 14-year association with Real Madrid ends this month.
Al-Ittihad clinched their ninth Saudi Pro League title, finishing five points clear of second-placed Al Nassr that is spearheaded by Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
Kante’s transfer is the latest move by leading Saudi Arabian clubs to acquire high profile players from Europe’s top leagues.
Other Chelsea players such as Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and Morocco winger Hakim Ziyech, have also been linked with a move to the oil-rich Gulf nation.
