Former Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante has hit out at rumour mongerers in a farewell letter after signing for Al-Ittihad.

The popular France midfielder penned a four-year, €100m deal with the Saudi Pro League club yesterday.

In a farewell post on social media, Kante declared:

"Goodbye Chelsea.

"The time for me has come to open a new chapter in my career.

"But before that, it is so important for me to say thank you to the great and beautiful family of Chelsea.

"Fans, players, managers, medical staff, board members, all those who have been with me during these last seven seasons in this legendary club.

"Only good memories, great victories and memorable titles won by your side.

"From the bottom of my heart, thank you very much, I will never forget you.

"And of course last but not least, I thank my family, my friends, who have always been on my side in good and bad times.

"Without forgetting my agent, Karim as well as my advisers Rachid and Driss who have given me such a precious support since my beginnings and have been a major part in my success.

"These past times have not been easy for us and our family, but we were able to stay united to face rumours and lies.

"See you soon for new adventures on the pitch with Al Ittihad and the French National Team.

"N'Golo."