“I didn’t think it was going to happen.”

Didier Deschamps warned him after the wave of transfers to Saudi Arabia: no matter the championship, the best French people will play in the selection. For the first time since his departure from Chelsea in the summer of 2023, N’Golo Kanté was recalled to the French team to play in Euro 2024. A tournament which will take place from June 14 to July 14 in Germany and which could see the 33-year-old holding the French midfielder. Asked about his return at a press conference, the Al-Ittihad player gave an overview of his news.

His return to Blue:

“I’m coming off a season with a lot of close matches. I feel capable of playing this Euro with the team. I was aware that my departure to Saudi Arabia was going to make things complicated. But I had confidence in myself, telling myself that if I had a good season, I would have a chance of being back. I didn’t think it was going to happen. It’s the work of a good season and my return is deserved. That.”

Contacts with Didier Deschamps?

“I received the pre-selection, but for the selection, I was not called. Last season with Chelsea, I had a lot of injuries. This year, it was a more distant look. The choice was is done at the end I think.”

Saudi Arabia :

“It’s more in Arabia that we have to adapt, particularly in terms of hydration and heat. The fact of finding a more temperate climate, with less heat and more rain, will make it easier for me Last year at Chelsea, I didn’t play that much, I was able to play a full season, I played a lot of matches. I think that’s what worked for me. allowed to be here. I am satisfied with having made this choice.”

His period of doubts between 2021 and 2023:

“Since the start of my career, I have been able to appreciate everything that has come my way. 2021 is the pinnacle of my career. Afterwards, there were a few injuries. A career is made of that, you get what we can. I’m always ready, but success is not guaranteed every time.”

An untouchable status in Blue?

“I come with the same role that I have in the selection: to be ready to give everything and give the best of myself, to be available to the coach. It is he who will make his choices.”

Other environments:

“I have gotten older since I joined the team. The transmission will happen naturally. They are players with a lot of qualities. I am seen as a normal teammate. With whom we can talk outside or on the team. ground.”

Has he thought about retiring internationally?

“I thought about it. When I saw some players retiring, Raphael, Hugo, Blaise, I thought about it. It wasn’t necessarily a decision I wanted to make. I was going to Saudi to play and if I did things well, the door remained open” confided N’Golo Kanté in comments transcribed by our colleagues at RMC Sport.