N’Golo Kante has played down his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or. He has emerged as one of the favourites for the award thanks to his superb displays that helped Chelsea win the Champions League.
Kante is a frontrunner for the individual award after being named man of the match in both legs of the semi-final against Real Madrid and then again in the 1-0 victory over Man City in the final.
“It’s a bit early to talk about it now. We are in the middle of the year, there are six months left, and lots of matches and competitions to play. It’s not necessary to say today that I deserve it,” he told a press conference.
“A few years ago I was in the top 10. It was the first time and it was nice. But winning it is another story.
“It’s a great individual reward. I see it as the result of a good season for the players. It’s not a goal I’m working on. Those who won it in the past are players who have achieved great things during their career.”
The midfielder seems to be aware that he “grown” as a player, and he said that Chelsea manager Tuchel has played a huge role in it.
“This year has been difficult at times. But we had the chance to go far in the Champions League and it went well for me,” he added.
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“The new coach [Tuchel] has given me more control on the pitch, which has freed me up. Maybe I’m seen a bit more offensively. “At Caen, I already had this aspect in my game. But it was less obvious.
“I need to be even more technically precise in the last 30 metres, be more selfish, take my chances and be brave.”
Meanwhile, Kante finished ahead of Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe in a poll, conducted by Odaxa, of France’s most popular players, and the results were released on Saturday.
“I don’t pay much attention and I focus on the goals of the team. It can touch me a little, but we try to do what we have always done. Be natural, give the best of yourself on the pitch. As for the praise, it is exaggerated, and it’s not necessary,” Kante said.
On his future, Kante said: “I’ve been at Chelsea for five years,” he said. “I have had many good years there and hope to have many more. The Champions League is the climax of five years spent at the club. My future is not something I consider. I have two years of contract left and I feel good there.”
