Chelsea's N'Golo Kante 'tries everything to win' and is so competitive he hates losing at Scrabble, says Olivier Giroud
OLIVIER GIROUD has revealed that football's nicest man, N'Golo Kante, does have a mean streak, but only when it comes to losing at board games.
Kante, 30, is not only one of the most successful players in the world, but is also one of the most popular figures in football.
Former Chelsea teammate and fellow France international, Olivier Giroud, 35, speaks glowingly of Kante as both a player and a man, but has also revealed his competitive streak.
Speaking to talkSPORT Breakfast, Giroud said: “We’ve been playing chess – I have to say he’s better than me.
“I asked him to play Scrabble and I’m definitely better than him, so much better.
“He’s a funny person, top man and he hates losing. Sometimes he tries everything to win and that’s funny with him.
“That’s why we created this song with the national team that he always tries find a way always to avoid defeat.
“He never gives up. On the pitch he tries to step up and is massively important for Chelsea and the national team.
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“Off the pitch, he hates losing and sometimes makes him a bit upset and angry.
“I always try to joke with him, he’s a top man.”
Kante has been nominated for this year's Ballon d'Or award alongside teammates Jorginho, Romelu Lukaku and Cesar Azpilicueta.
He played 48 times for Chelsea last season and played a pivotal role in their Champions League final triumph against Manchester City, winning man of the match for his outstanding performance.
Giroud said: “He had a great season last year. He played a big part in the Champions League success, but I think he deserves to be in it at least.
“To win it, there are big players next to him. I’m very happy and proud of him that he’s close to it.”
Giroud spent four years at Chelsea alongside Kante, winning the FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League together.
I’m very happy and proud of him that he’s close to it
But the striker finally left Stamford Bridge this summer after struggling for minutes under Thomas Tuchel, joining AC Milan on a two-year deal.
The Frenchman has already netted twice in his three league appearances for the Rossoneri and revealed he is enjoying life in Italy with his new teammates, including the enigmatic Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
About his new teammate, Giroud added: “Zlatan is a strong personality. He is a different class player.
“He takes a huge place in the dressing room. He’s an important player and always joking with the boys in the dressing room.
“I didn’t know him, but I spoke a little bit with him, he’s a top man and leader in the dressing room.
“I’m looking forward to playing with him together on the pitch.”
Giroud was left out of France's Nations League winning squad that beat Spain 2-1 at the weekend, whilst Kante missed out after testing positive for coronavirus.
Giroud and Kante both started the World Cup final in 2018, in which France defeated Croatia 4-2 in Russia to become world champions for a second time.
Les Bleus will be among the favourites to retain their crown at next year's World Cup in Qatar, and Giroud and Kante will both be desperate make Didier Deschamps' squad.
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