He Kante say no to Chelsea

N’GOLO KANTE says his move from Leicester to Chelsea was “too good to turn down”.

The France midf ielder has turned his back on the Premier League champions to move to Stamford Bridge in a deal thought to be worth around £32million.

Kante, who signed a five-year contract with the Blues, was an integral part of Leicester’s shock title triumph last year.

But rather than stay to defend the crown and play Champions League games, the 25-year-old has opted to link up with new Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.

He said: “I’m so happy to have signed for one of the biggest clubs in Europe. It’s a dream come true.

“The opportunity to work with Antonio Conte, a brilliant coach, and some of the best players in the world was too good to turn down.

“My first season in England was very special and now I hope to go on to achieve even more during my time as a Chelsea player.”

Kante, signed for Leicester last summer from Caen for £5.6m, was a revelation.

He was named on the six-man shortlist for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award – won by Foxes team-mate Riyad Mahrez – but his displays brought him to the attention of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Kante, part of the France squad that f inished runners- up to Portugal at Euro 2016, is the Blues’ second summer signing after Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi.

Leicester recently secured top scorer Jamie Vardy on a new contract amid interest from Arsenal and tried to do the same with the Frenchman.

But the loss of Kante will be a major blow to their plans for next season, while Mahrez is also reportedly eyeing a move away as the team that stunned world football last season threatens to break up.