Introduced to the press all last week, the six new players of OGC Nice all have very different backgrounds. Through a profile and their notable quotes, get to know them a bit better.
Walter Benitez
โ Argentine
โ Goalkeeper
โ 22 years old (born on 3/19/1993 in the Province of Chaco)
โ previous club: Quilmes (Argentina)
In French, in the text: โEvery South American player dreams of coming to play in Europe.โ
โMy model is Neuer, I like to restart quickly with my feet but I still have some areas to work on.โ
โIt was important, as soon as I knew I was coming to Nice, to take French classes to speak with everyone.โ
Arnaud Lusamba
โ French
โ Midfielder
โ 19 years old (born on 1/4/1997 in Metz)
โ previous club: Nancy
โI chose Nice for its playing philosophy, I need to play football and I know the coach likes that and appreciates young players.โ
โI knew Lucien Favre by reputation, I discovered a coach who is close to the players. At the end of training sessions, he chats with us individually, we make good progress in these conditions.โ
โI felt the supporters are close to the players. You can feel their support with passionate speeches, it’s motivating.โ
Arnaud Souquet
โ French
โ Full-back
โ 24 years old (born on February 12, 1992 in Paris)
โ previous club: Dijon FCO
โMy goal is to continue my progression, as I did with Dijon last season. The aim? To play as much as possible.โ
โI know I have work to do. Collectively, we’ll try to be successful on all fronts. Especially in the European Cup, in a competition that is the reward for last year’s group.โ
โI was surprised by the youth of the group, I am one of the oldest even though I am 24 years old. And here, there is a real fervor, we want to play in such a passionate club.โ
Dalbert Henrique
โ Brazilian
โ Full-back
โ 22 years old (born on October 10, 1991 in Barra Mansa)
โ previous club: Vitoria Guimaraes (Portugal)
โAs soon as I knew Nice was interested in me, I did not hesitate. It is a huge opportunity. Now, I hope to take advantage of this chance and represent the club in the best possible way.โ
โI know that a lot of work is needed to progress. Especially in defense, where I still need to improve. But I talk a lot with the coach to get better. I’m eager to start the season.โ
Anastasios Donis
โ Greek
โ Forward
โ 19 years old (born on August 26, 1996 in Blackburn (United Kingdom))
โ previous club: FC Lugano (Switzerland) on loan from Juventus Turin (Italy)
โI am a fast, technical player, who loves one-on-one situations. I can play on the wing, up front, or as a second striker. No matter where, I will help the team in the best way possible.โ
โI don’t have a specific goal target. Before talking about these things, I want to work hard to get playing time.โ
โI am young, and I know I still have a lot to learn. I came to Nice for this and to showcase my abilities.โ
Wylan Cyprien
โ French
โ Midfielder
โ 21 years old (born on January 28, 1995 in Les Abymes)
โ previous club: RC Lens
โI have already played many Ligue 1 games but I consider that I am starting from scratch here.โ
โWe’ll give it our all, play every game to win, like a World Cup final.โ
โThe club is very family-oriented, the welcome is great, and within a few days you already feel like you’ve been here for years. There is great rapport and the group is united.โ