N’Golo Kante signs for the Chelsea for a reported fee of £30 million from Leicester. Chelsea have made their second big signing of the season, their first being Michy Batshuayi from Marseille. This is Leicester’s club record fee for a transfer. Chelsea manager Antonio Conte made it clear that he was eyeing the French defensive midfielder since his days at Leicester. Kante signed for the Foxes for 6 million and made 40 appearances in a title winning season in which he was pivotal.
“I am so happy to have signed for one of the biggest clubs in Europe. It’s a dream come true for me. The opportunity to work with Antonio Conte, a brilliant coach, and some of the best players in the world was simply too good to turn down” he said.
Leicester released a press statement confirming Kante’s intent to join the Blues. Kante was also offered an improved long term contract at Leicester which he turned down.
Chelsea’s technical director, Michael Emenalo, described the signing as an excellent one.
“He is a perfect fit in terms of Antonio Conte’s philosophies and the style of football he wants to play,” he said.
Conte has claimed that Hazard and other players of his team can become as good as Messi, Neymar, Suaraz, Ronaldo or Pogba, but that would require hard work. In a press conference he said
“We have players, fantastic players, who have great talent but in this moment the world doesn’t think they are the same level as Messi, [Luis] Suárez, Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo or [Paul] Pogba. In our squad there are players who, with work, can improve a lot and reach this level. The player must understand that there is the ability to work to prove and to show that, now I am a top player, but I want to become top, top, top and want to stay there”
He further added, “I always give education and respect but I demand the same, for all the people that work with me. I give them this and I demand this,” he said. “This was taught to me by my family, to give education and respect to all people. If I don’t have this, you are asking for trouble, for a problem.
“I love to be with my players, to speak with them, to help them to understand my philosophy, my methods and my thoughts. I love this. Hopefully when the players understand this we have a fantastic relationship.”
