The French World Cup winner’s contract at Stamford Bridge had expired.
Kante appeared set to stay for another two years before suffering another injury near the end of the season.
And his free transfer to the Middle East ends one of the greatest Premier League careers. Chelsea said farewell to Kante on social media. “N’Golo’s impact and influence during his time at Chelsea cannot be overstated,” said co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.His tireless contributions in midfield helped the club win multiple trophies and cemented his place in club history. We wish him the best as he begins the next phase of his career.”

Kante first arrived in England in 2015, when he joined Leicester from Caen for £5.5 million. Under Claudio Ranieri, he was an instant success, appearing 37 times as Leicester surged to a historic title win.

Following a request from new manager Antonio Conte, Chelsea moved for him a year later in a £32 million transfer.

And Kante became the first player to win back-to-back titles with two different clubs since Eric Cantona in 1993.

He went on to play 269 times for Chelsea, winning the FA Cup and the Europa League along the way.

But Kante’s crowning achievement came in 2021, when his man-of-the-match performances helped Chelsea defeat Real Madrid and then Manchester City in the Champions League final.

Injuries, however, took their toll in London.

Kante appeared just seven times in the league last season, and nine times overall.

At Al-Ittihad, he rejoins his international friend and ex-Real Madrid sensation Karim Benzema.

And Kante’s departure from Chelsea coincides with the arrival of another Frenchman, Christopher Nkunku, from RB Leipzig.