"In Saudi Arabia, it’s new football" - Chelsea legend N'Golo Kante's comments in Europe return resurface amid West Ham United bid
N'Golo Kante has been linked with a move to Chelsea's London rivals West Ham United. The Frenchman was asked in June if he was done with European football and the midfielder had a concrete answer.
Speaking to the media at a press conference during Euro 2024, Kante stated that he is still open to returning to Europe. He also admitted that playing in Saudi Arabia was a new experience and said (via Metro):
"No, it's not over. I appreciate the feedback. In Saudi Arabia, it's new football, a new experience. 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."
"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," he added.
West Ham United have made a bid to sign the Chelsea legend but Al Ittihad have rejected the first bid. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has stated that the Saudi Pro League side are not interested in selling Kante.
Chelsea blasted by former player for letting N'Golo Kante leave
Frank Leboeuf spoke to BoyleSports earlier this summer and stated that Chelsea were clueless about operating in the transfer market. He believes that they have made terrible decisions and were letting go of players they need.
Leboeuf pointed out how Kante was doing well at Euro 2024 and said:
"Chelsea as a football club is just not working and we are becoming a mockery for other clubs. We live in the present and not the future, fans want results and I want results, I don't want to wait four years to get them. We need to sign spine players – look at what N'Golo Kante is doing at the Euros – it's shameful why we're getting rid of these players."
He added:
"There's no consistency and we also got rid of Thiago Silva, who was our only experienced defender. We have talented players but they are far too young. There needs to be a blend of youth and wisdom of experience and we don't have that. That is why we're good and then terrible 15 minutes later and this is the new normal."
Chelsea let N'Golo Kante leave for free to join Al Ittihad after his contract expired. He has been doing well with the Saudi Pro League outfit and was a key member of the France squad that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2024.