Chelsea Fans finally have a reason to celebrate after Midfield Maestro Ngolo Kante committed his future to the club. The French Man Extended his stay at Stamford Bridge by signing a new Five Year Contract.
Kante, a revelation since moving to Chelsea from Leicester City in the summer of 2016, played a pivotal role as Chelsea won the Premier League title in his first season at the club, with the Frenchman rewarded for the quality and consistency of his performances by being named Player of the Year by both the PFA and FWA.
He maintained those high personal standards throughout last season as he helped Chelsea secure the FA Cup, with another individual accolade to follow, this time the Chelsea Player of the Year prize. The 27-year-old has been an ever-present during Chelsea’s unbeaten start to the current Premier League campaign.
Upon signing his new contract, Kante said: ‘I’m happy to extend my time with Chelsea, it has been two beautiful years and I wish for more to come. Since I came, I 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.’
Club director Marina Granovskaia added: ‘We are delighted N’Golo has signed a new contract and sees his long-term future with Chelsea. 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.’ he added.
Kante made his Chelsea debut in their opening game of the 2016/17 season, producing a memorable midfield performance which combined high energy, athleticism and quality on the ball as we beat West Ham United 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Having ended his previous campaign, at Leicester, with a Premier League winner’s medal, Kante’s maiden season at Stamford Bridge culminated in the same manner, and it was no surprise when individual accolades followed.
Kante was voted as the PFA Player of the Year, as well as being named Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers’ Association, having also been one of four Chelsea players in the Premier League Team of the Season.
Maurizio Sarri’s arrival has led to a slight change in role this season for Kante, the Italian opting to deploy him further forward on the right-hand side of a three-man midfield, with the focus on winning the ball higher up the pitch and in more dangerous areas.
Will Kante’s contract extension help Chelsea build even more momentum in the race for the Premier League title?