A Saudi Pro League superstar has now hinted at a possible return to European club football.
N'Golo Kante's inclusion in the France squad for the 2024 UEFA European Championship came as a shock to many as the midfielder had not represented his country since the months leading up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
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For many, it seemed almost unfathomable he would once again break into Didier Deschamps' Les Bleus team given that he joined Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League at the start of last season at the age of 32.
However, since returning to the national team fold, he has been France's best player in their first two group matches against Austria and Netherlands, claiming two consecutive Man of the Match awards.
Having shown that he can still compete at a high level, Kante was asked recently if his career in Europe is finished.
"No, it's not over," he said at a press conference ahead of France's final group game against Poland on Tuesday evening, according to the Metro.
"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 [moving back to Europe].
"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."
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When asked about playing in a more offensive position for France, Kante said his seven seasons at Chelsea were to thank for that.
"You have to know how to do it at the right time," he explained.
"These are things that I learned to repeat at Chelsea. We will say that it is also the maturity and sensitivity to do it at the right time with the French team. For the moment, it is working well.
"As I said, the main thing is complementarity, sometimes it's another environment that will have to be covered, sometimes it will be up to me to go there, but knowing how to do it well when you can."
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