The defensive midfielder, who has played for Monaco, Nice, Leicester, and Lens, and won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021 with the Senegalese national team, has signed a one-year contract with Metz. A major coup for the Lorraine club. And the 34-year-old explained the reasons for his signing.
With the team relegated from Ligue 1 last season, he will be playing his third season in the second tier of French football, following his first stint with AS Monaco (2011-2013, 60 matches). Since then, he has played for OGC Nice, Leicester City, RC Lens, and Watford.
He has also experienced the Europa League and the Champions League, won the Africa Cup of Nations, and played in the World Cup. This is, therefore, a huge coup for Metz, who are aiming for promotion back to Ligue 1 this season.
He added: “We know that, obviously, it won’t be easy, but it’s a challenge I’m eager to take on. Going down and then coming back up, we know that’s very difficult. But I’m here to contribute what I can to make it happen.
Anyway, talking is all well and good , but you have to prove it on the pitch. So whatever I might say today, the important thing is to be ready and to lead by example, especially on the field.” The former Monaco and RC Lens player wants to bring his experience to the table.
“I think I can contribute through my personality and experience, and I plan to talk a lot to the younger players. But I also think I’m in good hands here; there are many players with a lot of experience. It’s a great challenge to take on.
But we’ve been through this ourselves: we had the example of some former players who were there for us, so if we can do the same for the younger players today, I’d be delighted. There’s a very strong connection between FC Metz and Senegal. I hope it lasts as long as possible. And there are some very good Senegalese players who have come through here and are still here.
