French midfield sensation and World Cup winner N’Golo Kante has made a major contribution to Saudi Arabian champions Al Ittihad, the membership introduced Wednesday, teaming up with fellow compatriot Karim Benzema.
In an official assertion, the membership declared, “Kante is an Ittihad player now!” Meanwhile, chairperson Anmar al-Hailee expressed his pleasure on Twitter, saying, “Welcome to our new tiger Kante,” alluding to the workforce’s nickname.
Kante, famend for his dynamic and industrious taking part in fashion, provides to the rising listing of European stars who’ve chosen to showcase their expertise within the desert kingdom, the place substantial monetary investments are being made to raise elite sports activities.
With a glittering profession each on the membership and worldwide stage, Kante secured a World Cup victory with France in 2018. His accolades embody Champions League and World Club Cup triumphs with Chelsea, in addition to consecutive Premier League titles with Leicester City and Chelsea.
Having reached the tip of his contract with the London membership this month, Kante has now signed a three-year take care of Al Ittihad, as confirmed by the Jeddah-based workforce.
However, no particular particulars about his earnings had been disclosed.
The membership’s assertion emphasised that Kante’s arrival is among the most important and impactful signings within the historical past of Al Ittihad. It displays the membership’s ambition to ascertain itself as a high vacation spot for world-class gamers within the Saudi Professional League.
Kante will put on the quantity seven shirt, a well-recognized image from his profitable stint at Chelsea.
Earlier this month, present Ballon d’Or holder Karim Benzema additionally joined Al Ittihad after spending 14 seasons with Real Madrid, claiming quite a few Champions League titles, La Liga triumphs, and Copa del Rey victories.
In a video message posted by the membership, the 35-year-old Benzema expressed his enthusiasm about reuniting together with his fellow Frenchman, saying: “I have always believed you are the best box-to-box player in the world. Now, I am delighted to play alongside you again, especially in the best team in Saudi Arabia.”
Kante, in response, conveyed his pleasure about becoming a member of the “Tigers,” the nickname for Al Ittihad.
Saudi Arabia, with its huge oil wealth, has quickly emerged as a distinguished participant in world sports activities.
Despite dealing with criticism for its human rights file, the conservative monarchy goals to raise its worldwide standing and diversify its oil-dependent economic system via sporting occasions and attracting tourism and funding.
The kingdom’s ambitions embody internet hosting the World Cup, which is anticipated to bolster Saudi Arabia’s profile and status.
Furthermore, the nation is ready to arrange the boys’s Asian Cup soccer, the Asian Games, and even the Asian Winter Games in 2029.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the state’s sovereign wealth fund, holds an 80% stake in Newcastle United, which completed fourth within the Premier League final season.
The PIF has additionally made waves within the golf world, backing LIV Golf.
The enterprise precipitated a stir by competing with the PGA Tour and sparked a authorized battle.
However, a shock merger between the rival excursions this month resolved the dispute, only a 12 months after LIV Golf attracted a number of star gamers who had been enticed by profitable presents from the brand new sequence.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
