Manchester United Transfer News: N'Golo Kante Talks Jose Mourinho Snub, Chelsea

Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante has revealed he turned down the chance to join Jose Mourinho at Manchester United this summer. 

The former Leicester City star moved to the Blues in a deal many consider to be one of the best of the transfer window. Per Phil Cadden of the Sun, the France international has stated the switch to Stamford Bridge wasn’t the only offer on the table:

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It was amazing to have Mourinho call me, even though I’d been warned before how he would appeal to me. I listened to his arguments about why I should move to United.

But at that time I was hesitant between staying at Leicester or leaving for Chelsea. My discussions with them were already well underway. But when I spoke, I had a good feeling with [Antonio] Conte.

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Kante joined Leicester from Caen last summer and took the Premier League by storm. He epitomised the manner in which the surprise champions played with his robust midfield efforts and after stepping up to a more illustrious club like the Blues, he has seemingly enjoyed a seamless transition.

Indeed, for Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte, who demands an intensity and aggression from his players, Kante is a perfect midfield linchpin.

The 3-0 win over Burnley saw the 25-year-old enjoy his best game with his new club so far. Squawka Football summed up the impact he had:

It’s little surprise United manager Mourinho, for whom pragmatism is a priority, was keen to add the midfield colossus to his ranks. Kante would have potentially been an outstanding foil for the likes of Paul Pogba, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Wayne Rooney.

However, the midfielder seems to have little doubt he’s made the right decision with regard to his future and has commented on the difference that comes with playing for a juggernaut of the European game.

Per Cadden, Kante added:

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At Chelsea I’m in a star-studded dressing room.

Being the star of the game doesn’t interest me. That’s the highest level, unless you have exceptional qualities.

Yes, I feel I’m a pretty complete player, but I’m not an outstanding player.

Someone like Riyad Mahrez, yes, he has a real technical talent.

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JUSTIN TALLIS/Getty Images

Kante may not be as proficient with the ball at his feet when compared to someone like Mahrez, although he has his own crucial gifts.

The dynamism with which he gets around the pitch is unmatched in the Premier League, as is his strength in the tackle and ability to spot danger. Kante may be diminutive in stature, but he can bustle opponents out of possession with his somatotype.

Football journalist Liam Canning believes Kante is the standout acquisition made by any team this summer:

Conte does seem to be getting the best from the former Foxes star and, as an expert in this position himself as a player, the Italian seems a fine guide to push Kante on to the next level. 

The player continues to thrive under the spotlight, too. After blossoming for Leicester, he was excellent in his appearances at the UEFA European Championship for France in the summer and has attuned himself to life at Stamford Bridge brilliantly. Chelsea are fortunate to have him in their ranks.