Hatem Ben Arfa’s adventure in Nice ended before it even began. The club and the player officially announced the termination of the contract this Tuesday during a press conference attended by many members of the media. An end that leaves regrets for all parties involved. Game over.
A grand presentation, a highly publicized return, but ultimately a month of all kinds of decisions, twists and turns for nothing. Monday, January 5, 2014, was supposed to remain an important date in the history of OGC Nice, but now, Tuesday, February 3, will be remembered. A last training session with his teammates, in red and black, then a press conference with President Jean-Pierre Rivère and coach Claude Puel to announce his departure. Less than 24 hours after the Administrative Tribunal’s decision not to overturn the LFP, Hatem Ben Arfa leaves Nice without having played a single minute. “He was the mascot for a month with three wins and a draw,” said President Rivère.
It’s a departure that leaves regrets. Prevented from practicing his craft due to a U21 match with his former club Newcastle, Ben Arfa departs without having proven he had evolved. Magnificently welcomed by the supporters at the beginning of January, the French midfielder experienced a similar ending with warm words from the supporters present at the training center this Tuesday noon. Last weekend, a hashtag was launched to support the one who “pays for his past”: #HatemANice, which enjoyed great success. Insufficient to see number 4 play with the Eagles.
Hatem Ben Arfa concluded this press conference by saying: “This may just be a goodbye.” Could this be a sign…
The striking phrases from this press conference:
Jean-Pierre Rivère
“I discovered Hatem. On a human level, he is not treated as he should be. When he signed, he kept his word, and above all, he took a risk. I thank him for his behavior from start to finish. His departure is a regret on the human level.”
“Under Claude Puel’s guidance, he would have achieved great things; he would have blossomed. We would have liked to have him in the team, but the project continues, and the group is gaining confidence.”
(To Hatem) “You are at home here.”
Hatem Ben Arfa
“It’s over with Nice but not for good. I want to thank everyone here. It’s a family club; there is a real camaraderie between the management, the staff, and the players. This club has a future thanks to the coach; it will grow stronger.”
“I regret not continuing here. I am very sad not to play; it hurts. The decision has been made; I don’t want to talk about it. Last night, I was devastated, but this morning, during training, the players cheered me up.”
“Today, I am trying to stay positive. I need competition; I have meetings this week, we’ll see. I am not going to end my career on such an event. I am even willing to go to the North Pole to play.”
Claude Puel
“We welcomed Hatem as he deserved; he is part of the club. Whatever his decision, we accept it. The door is open at OGC Nice if he wants to train. At the end of the season, if he wants to return, we will welcome him with open arms.”
“During these four months, I wish him to find pleasure, to regain competition, and to be at ease. He’ll bounce back quickly because he has a lot of desire; he’s a player full of talent. I wish him many good things.”
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