Chelsea signs N'Golo Kante to five-year deal

Nov. 23 (UPI) -- Chelsea has signed N'Golo Kante to a five-year contract extension.

The Premier League club announced the signing Thursday.

"I'm happy to extend my time with Chelsea, it has been two beautiful years and I wish for more to come," Kante said in a news release from the Blues. "Since I came, I completely improved as a player, challenged myself and got some awards I never thought about. I like the city, I like the club and I am happy to be here for more time."

The French midfielder joined the Blues in 2016 from Leicester City. He won a Premier League title in his first season at Chelsea. Kante, 27, began his senior career in 2012 with Boulogne before going to Caen in 2013. He moved to Leicester City in 2015 before joining Chelsea.

Kante also has 36 appearances for the French national team.

"We are delighted N'Golo has signed a new contract and sees his long-term future with Chelsea," Marina Granovskaia said. "When he arrived, we knew we had signed a special player but he has astounded everybody with his tireless and unselfish displays."

"Off the pitch, he remains a dedicated professional and a humble human being despite the fact he is a world champion and a two-time Premier League winner. We now look forward to five more years with N'Golo at the heart of the Chelsea midfield."

Chelsea faces Tottenham Hotspur at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at Wembley Stadium in London.