Chelsea recently brought in 2015-16 Premier League winner N’Golo Kante for a reported fee of £30 million.
N’Golo Kante was instrumental in Leicester’s title triumph last season, and it was no surprise that English giants Chelsea came asking for the Frenchman. Leicester made a significant profit on his sale but will undoubtedly miss the services of their cog in midfield.
The French midfielder took to Instagram (h/t The Guardian) to state that Chelsea manager Antonio Conte was the reason he decided to leave the Premier League champions. Kante wrote:
“At the beginning of the new season I chose to join @chelseafc. It is a great club, which has just recruited a great coach and want to reach high ambitions I share. The club’s project and the coach’s speech have convinced me to join this new ambitious adventure.
“I am now waiting to see my new club and give everything for a successful summer… And season of course!”
Kante then spoke about how fantastic his time at the King Power has been and that he would miss being part of the Foxes’ squad. He also became the first high-profile name to leave Leicester, and could be followed by Riyad Mahrez. Jamie Vardy, who chose against making a switch to Arsenal, may see two of his key teammates depart before their title defence unfolds.
“The 2015-2016 season will remain as an important season for me.
“After a fantastic season, it ended with a final of Euro 2016. We lost but we can be proud. The fervour of the French people have given us strength and I wanted to say thank you all.”
He also heaped praise on his former manager Claudio Ranieri.
“This season I also discovered the Premier League with @lcfc. I want to thank the leaders, my teammates and Claudio Ranieri for this fantastic season that saw us winning the title of England. Their confidence and also the fans will forever remain in my memory. And I again thank you all.”
