"He Wanted to Represent Mali" – Jamie Vardy Reveals How N'Golo Kanté Chose France

Former Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has revealed that N'Golo Kanté was initially keen to represent Mali before ultimately deciding to play for France.

According to Vardy, Kanté's first choice was to honour his father's homeland by playing for Mali. However, his Leicester City teammates encouraged him to accept an opportunity with France, believing he had the quality to achieve success on the international stage.

"Originally, he did not want to play for France. He wanted to represent Mali for his dad. At the training ground we said to him, 'What the f**k, what are you thinking? France will win the World Cup! Go join France!'" Vardy recalled.