Former Chelsea defender Franck Lebouef has told N'Golo Kante to hang up the boots.

Kante started the opening two Premier League games of the campaign before picking up a hamstring problem.

The Chelsea midfielder was then forced to miss France's run to the World Cup final.

And, at the age of 31, Lebeouf has said retirement is an option for Kante.

He told Safe Betting Sites: "I haven't spoken to Kante directly about his fitness and how he feels but it could be that he's nearing the end of it [his career].

"Because the thing is we have to understand that we are talking about a human being.

"Suddenly your body says okay, enough, leave me alone."

Lebeouf claimed that if Kante's body is telling him to, then he should retire.

Lebeouf added: "The end of your career is also a part of your career, and you have to choose the right time to give up.

"Even if you don't want to and even if your football is great and you want to carry on.

"You have to give envy to people and not pity. So you have to make a decision in your own mind [regarding retirement].

"You have to talk to your family and say maybe okay, it's over

"So I don't know his shape but if he feels that he can serve Chelsea well then he should stay."