Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante says he refused to celebrate his goal against Leicester because of the respect he maintains for his former club.
The France international midfielder secured three points for Chelsea at his former home with the second goal in a 2-1 win at the King Power Stadium, just his third Premier League goal.
Kante’s team-mates rushed to celebrate his goal but the 26-year-old kept his cool, insisting after the win that he “kept [his celebrations] inside”.
“It is always special to play against my old team,” he said. “Everyone knows I spent an amazing year here but when I come I try to win. This was an important win for my team and I was happy to score.
“Thibaut gave me the ball, I had time so I went on a run and shot. I think somebody touched it a little bit, but it was a good goal and an important one for the team. I’m happy to help the team win.
“It’s always a pleasure to score but I kept it inside because I want to respect my old team.”
Kante will soon have the opportunity to strike up the midfield partnership that guided Leicester to the Premier League title in 2016 after the arrival of Danny Drinkwater on deadline day.
The England international was an unused substitute in the 2-1 win whilst fellow new recruit Davide Zappacosta was introduced as a second half substitute.
“It’s always special to come to a new club,” Kante said.
“They keep training with us now and they will learn how we play. It’s good to have some new players in the team.”
