Moulins kid, a player of the Gym since he was 5 years old who became a starter this summer at just 17, Malang Sarr signs his professional contract with OGC Nice. It seems like a natural progression for him as well as for his club.
“It’s a great pleasure and, at the same time, a kind of continuity. I’ve known nothing else: OGC Nice is my club, my home, where I feel the best. It was my dream to go pro here, it has come true and it has a special flavor.” A broad smile lights up the face of the youngest member of the senior team as he comments on his change of status.
An early season revelation, the 17-year-old defender (he’ll come of age on January 23rd) is thus taking another important step in the club that watched him grow and that places training at the heart of its project. An institution where he arrived at age 5, signing his first license… at the football school. A prospect of the junior categories, the Moulins kid quickly becomes one of the rising stars of the academy and kicks into high gear in the summer of 2016.
A summer where the young lad, who likes to specify that “there is no age in football,” joins the pro squad during the preseason. Moved to the center by Emerse Fae upon his arrival at the center, this versatile back, a member of the France U18 team, also capable of playing on the left flank, is propelled into Ligue 1 by Lucien Favre during the first game of the 2016/2017 season. There, he scores a decisive and symbolic goal against Stade Rennais. And since then? Sarr has been the outfield player most used by the Swiss coach and has started every game for the Gym this season, whether in the championship or the Europa League. Without ever losing his freshness or sense of ambition.
“Contractually, my status evolves, but on a daily basis, things remain the same,” he concludes politely. “I play and train with the first team; off the pitch, I also keep my small habits, I still live with my mother and hang out with the same friends. All my loved ones are happy. I am too. It’s up to me to continue growing with the club.”
