Good to hear someone that actually speaks their mind.
That was my takeaway from a recent interview that goalkeeper Alphonse Areola did when talking about his move from Rennes to Fulham this summer.
Speaking to RMC Sport (via Sport Witness), Areola talked about the options that he had in terms of clubs to sign for over the summer, but decided to take what he called ‘a step down’ in his career in order to try and prove himself in a rather unusual way:
“I had that chance to go there and gain experience, in a different manner, certainly, but it’s something that helped me grow. It’s true that I missed game time and there was a need, as I told my entourage, remain humble and take a step down by one or two notches in order to bounce back stronger”.
Has Areola been our best player this season?
Yes
No
Some might see this as a little bit disrespectful, essentially coming out and admitting that he is using us as a stepping stone in his career, that he just wants to come here, do his job, hopefully impress people and then get back to a bigger club.
Personally, I’d rather he come out and be honest about his intentions rather than try to lie or manipulate something out of us. I’ve spoken before about this transfer move and how it could be one that benefits both us and the player, he helps us stay up, we give him the exposure of playing in the Premier League that will help him get back into the French squad or to a bigger club.
So long as he’s honest about it upfront then we don’t need to get our hopes up that he might stay with us for a long-time only to have them dashed away. Obviously, I’d like him to, but at least now I know to lower my expectations.
What about you? What do you make of these comments made by Areola?