N’Golo Kante has suggested that he would be open to finishing his career in Europe after his impressive performances for France at Euro 2024 and has credited Chelsea for helping him improve as a midfielder.
The 33-year-old was a surprise inclusion in Didier Deschamps’ squad for Euro 2024 but has played a pivotal role in France’s tournament so far as he was named as Player of the Match in the 1-0 win over Austria and the goalless draw with the Netherlands.
Kante made the move to the Saudi Pro League last summer, joining Al-Ittihad on a free transfer after his contract with Chelsea expired.
But the midfielder has hinted that his playing career may not end in Saudi Arabia.
Asked if his career in Europe is over, Kante said at a press conference on Monday: ‘No, it’s not over.
‘I appreciate the feedback. In Saudi Arabia, it’s new football, a new experience.
N’Golo Kante has been named Player of the Match in both of France’s games at Euro 2024 (UEFA via Getty)
‘Finding these feelings again with the French team is beautiful, it touches me, we want to do well.
‘But that’s not a question I’m asking myself today.’
Kante added: ‘I feel good, last season went well with Al-Ittihad in Arabia, we had a good preparation with the French team.
At the moment I feel good, I hope this continues. In any case, there are the players needed to replace me if ever there is a problem, but I want to continue, to give the maximum.’
Kante also said his seven years at Chelsea allowed him improve his attacking traits after arriving at Stamford Bridge as a defensive midfielder from Leicester City.
When asked about playing in a more offensive position for France, Kante said: ‘You have to know how to do it at the right time.
‘These are things that I learned to repeat at Chelsea. We will say that it is also the maturity and sensitivity to do it at the right time with the French team. For the moment it is working well.
‘As I said, the main thing is complementarity, sometimes it’s another environment that will have to be covered, sometimes it will be up to me to go there, but knowing how to do it well when you can.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.