N'Golo Kante has opened his account for Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad with a goal out of the very top draw.
The 32-year-old midfielder, who joined Nuno Espirito Santo's side in the summer after his contract at Premier League outfit Chelsea expired, isn't exactly renowned for his goalscoring ability.
But the experienced France international has flourished in the final third this season. In fact, Kante has notched two assists in seven SPL games, with his latest coming in a 2-1 win over Al Fateh.
After Moroccan midfielder Marwane Saadane handed the away side a surprise lead on the half hour mark, Romarinho equalised for Al Ittihad after some great attacking play from Kante.
Then, just before the half-time whistle, the in-form France international scored arguably the best goal of his career to date – a rare finish from outside the penalty area. What about this for a strike?Kante latched onto a loose ball before showcasing quick feet to beat his man.
The midfielder, who scored just 13 times for Chelsea in a trophy-laden seven year spell at Stamford Bridge, then hit the top corner with a perfectly-struck effort.
A short compilation of his performance against Al Fateh soon emerged after the final whistle.Following his move to the Saudi Pro League, an emotional Kante opened up about his Chelsea exit in an emotional interview.
“My dream was to become a footballer and to try and win trophies," he told the club's website. "Joining Chelsea was the perfect arrangement for me to achieve those dreams.
“The first day I joined Chelsea, I was told very early on that the objective here is always to win trophies. Always. I’ve managed to do that and I’m so grateful to my coaches, my teammates, and the Chelsea supporters for helping me achieve this.“I remember how the move to Chelsea came about, very clearly. I was at Leicester and we had an amazing season. Shortly after we won the title, my agent called me and told me that Chelsea were interested in signing me.
“Straight away, I had a good chemistry with Antonio Conte. He was the coach who signed me and I felt that he knew what he wanted from me and what he wanted, and expected, from the club. I never once regretted that choice, it was perfect for me."Kante added: “Throughout my time at Chelsea, I’ve worked with some incredible coaches who have all helped me develop my game.
“When everyone plays together in the same state of mind, it helps you pull together as a collective and that’s something I really felt at Chelsea. From joining in 2016 to now, I’ve developed as a player so much and that’s down to this club allowing me the opportunity to do so.”
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