Back to the International Newsfeed

'He never played - the gaffer didn’t really believe in him' - Colin reflects on Kante's 'beautiful story'

A former team-mate of the Premier League title winner is delighted to see him flourishing at Chelsea after threatening to become forgotten in France

Maxime Colin has hailed the “beautiful story” of N’Golo Kante, with his presence at Boulogne initially threatening to hinder the Chelsea midfielder’s development.

Kante linked up with the French side in 2010, making his debut in Ligue 2 before then turning out in the third tier.

At the time, his club manager Michel Estevan appeared unsure where best to use the hard-working youngster, with Colin blocking his path at right-back.

He would eventually emerge as a classy holding midfielder, with his ability attracting interest from Caen and then Leicester City.