Bordeaux (AFP)
The international defender Laurent Koscielny justified Wednesday his decision to leave Arsenal and sign in Bordeaux, a "historic club", by the "new project" worn by the leaders and the desire to finish (his) happy career with (s) "at its presentation press conference.
Q: How was the first contact with the club?
A: "Okay, it's been a while since I thought about my career with my family, when the Bordeaux opportunity came up, I weighed the pros and cons. the right choice I am very happy to come to this historic club There is a new project with a new president He wants to build a new team It takes time, hoping to be in the first part of the ranking. know Eduardo (Macia, sports director, Ed): he knows football and his message was very clear with me: bring my experience and help this group of young people to gain consistency in the results.More family: everything was together for me to come here.
Q: What is the sporting goal?
A: "The project immediately interested me, that of having players able to solidify the foundations of the club and grow together, for two or three years, to try to return among the top clubs in France. is the medium-term goal, I felt quite ready to take up this challenge, even though this year there is no European Cup, but we will do everything to ensure that there is one at the end of the season ".
Q: Your departure from Arsenal is the subject of criticism ...
A: "I have a great respect for Arsenal, I have shown my respect on the field and it's not for me to talk about it, I'm shooting Bordeaux, with a match coming quickly."
Q: Why did you choose Bordeaux when other clubs were interested?
A: "There were certainly other clubs that asked me, but as I said, the meeting with the leaders was an important meeting."
Q: Was it important for you to get closer to Tulle (his hometown)?
A: "A little too, it's been nine years since I left France, and since I was 19, I've been away from home, if you can combine sport with family life ..." I want to finish my happy career with mine. "
Q: Do you think you can start on Saturday in Angers?
A: "I spent three weeks with a fitness trainer, I talked to each other, but I miss the rhythm of the matches and the group exercises, I have to find my feelings again and get to know my teammates, also, which requires a little time to adapt. "
Q: Will you be the captain of the Girondins?
A: "I have a deep respect for Benoît (Costil), and I can not see myself arriving and taking the armband ... He will be my captain, I do not have the legitimacy to come and take it, but I will help in his function. "
Q: In which gaming system are you going to evolve?
A: "I do not know yet, but the coach has already worked different systems: three behind, or four, I'm used to playing in both game systems."
Interviewed at a press conference.
© 2019 AFP