N'Golo Kante: Chelsea midfielder signs new five-year deal
Last updated on .From the section Chelsea
Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante has signed a new five-year deal to keep him at the club until 2023.
The France international, 27, has scored three goals in 81 Premier League appearances for the Blues after joining from Leicester City in 2016.
Chelsea won the league title in Kante's first season at Stamford Bridge and he was named the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year.
"It has been two beautiful years and I wish for more to come," he said.
"Since I came, I have completely improved as a player, challenged myself and got some awards I never thought about.
"I like the city, I like the club and I am happy to be here for more time."
Kante has 36 caps for France and was a member of their World Cup-winning squad in Russia this summer.
Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said: "When he arrived, we knew we had signed a special player - but he has astounded everybody with his tireless and unselfish displays.
"Off the pitch, he remains a dedicated professional and a humble human being, despite the fact he is a world champion and a two-time Premier League winner.
"We now look forward to five more years with N'Golo at the heart of the Chelsea midfield."
Speaking at his news conference on Friday, Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri said Kante's new deal was very "important".
"N'Golo, for us, is not just an important player," he said.
"I'm very, very happy with the new contract - very, very pleased for him. It's very important news, I think.
"He's very important for us in the defensive phase, but he is improving in the offensive movements. Now he has to improve in the last 20-25m. He can score more."
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The recent Football Leaks report revealed that Kante turned down having his salary paid through any offshore company to minimise his tax liability and he just wanted a ‘normal’ contract.
At £300k per week, he will be paying roughly £7m in UK income tax per year, before any endorsements income.
I’d say he is probably contributing more to local services than most.
The future looks bright for Chelsea.
A great role model for any aspiring box-to-box midfielders and his personal story is pretty inspiring too.
He may be low on the score and assist charts, but he’s great at breaking lines and carrying the ball forward. Quite often, at Leicester, it was Kante who lead the transition between defence and attack. Often overlooked side of his game.
He's okay but let's face it, he's no Eric Dier or Jordan Henderson is he?
Agree with you. He is neither of them... He's BETTER!!
Ngolo Oh!
Kante will win you the ball,
You've got the power to know,
You're indestructible,
Always believe in,
Ngolo oh!...
Any excuse to sing a Spandau Ballet tune - Gold for another 5 years is a cause for celebration in my book.
"He's no Eric Dier."
That's true. Kante has 1. Been instrumental in taking a mediocre team to the title. 2. Moved to a top team and won the title again. 3. Won the world cup as a virtual ever present in the team.
Eric's still on step one.