2 days Ago By The Straits Times
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Euro 2024 - Group D - Netherlands v France - Leipzig Stadium, Leipzig, Germany - June 21, 2024 France's N'Golo Kante in action REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach/File Photo FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Euro 2024 - Group D - Austria v France - Dusseldorf Arena, Dusseldorf, Germany - June 17, 2024 France's Theo Hernandez and N'Golo Kante in action with Austria's Patrick Wimmer REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw/File Photo DUESSELDORF, Germany - France's N'Golo Kante had looked to be winding down his glittering career but his unexpected recall for Euro 2024 and eye-popping performances suggest his quality has not been diminished by his big-bucks move to Saudi Arabia last year. He is among several players in Germany challenging popular perceptions that the new Saudi Pro League is a career-ending option for big players seduced by huge salaries, with Kante dazzling on his return after a two-year absence and winning player of the match in his first two games. World Cup winner Kante, 33, has demonstrated no loss of pace, agility or fitness, creating the most chances for the French team, according to Opta data, and covering the third-longest distance.
He was France's second-quickest player in their first match behind only Kylian Mbappe. Kante was asked about his ability to maintain his level while in Saudi and said he had no regrets about moving to Al-Ittihad after a long spell of injury. "The expectation level is very high there," he said.
"I always give my best there .
