Hugo Lloris, the goalkeeper for OGC Nice, has left. He did so quietly, as is his custom. With his usual reserve, he declared in front of numerous journalists, cameras, and poised photographers: “I have decided to sign with Olympique Lyonnais.” His whispered words were nonetheless momentous, for him, for the club from Nice, and also for French football. Hugo Lloris, just 21 years old with two Ligue 1 seasons behind him, will replace a legend from Olympique Lyonnais, Grégory Coupet, a seven-time champion of France with nearly 600 matches in the Rhône and as the French national team’s goalkeeper. “It’s no small thing. He has marked the history of the club. It’s a big responsibility, but it doesn’t bother me. It’s an honor, and I’ll try to do him proud.”
Hugo Lloris had a choice. Three clubs showed interest: Tottenham, AC Milan, and Olympique Lyonnais. “I felt a lot of desire from Lyon. It’s an exemplary club for me to develop and progress. It’s exceptional for a player to play in the Champions League and Lyon is a leading name in this competition.” The newly-signed Lyon player did not explain his decision to turn down AC Milan, also an exemplary club and a Champions League frontrunner, even though they will not play in it next year. Did he seek advice from his coach Frédéric Antonetti? “No… It’s a personal choice. I took into account the opinions of my friends and family,” replied the young eaglet to his new nest. Was he convinced by his new coach Alain Perrin’s pitch? “No… I only discussed with Joël Bats (note: goalkeeping coach at Olympique Lyonnais).” He will reunite in Lyon with his former teammate Ederson. That must have been a determining factor.
Yet, nothing is official. The leaders of OGC Nice and Olympique Lyonnais will meet next week to finalize the details, including the transaction amount. Maurice Cohen, President of OGC Nice, clarifies: “The figures I’ve heard (note: 10 million euros) make no sense.” He mischievously adds, “It could be less… perhaps more.” Another factor will come into play during negotiations: Maurice Cohen is very interested in Loïc Rémy, the young Lyon winger called up to the French national team in spring on Raymond Domenech’s extended list after his good performances with RC Lens where he was on loan. With the same mischievousness, Maurice Cohen states, “We’re going to ask his club if they want to keep him or not.”
The press conference ends. Cameras pan one last time in Nice over Hugo Lloris. Still with his unassuming voice, he answers tersely. And then, he left. He will return wearing different colors. He will visit his family and friends. He will remember his beginnings, his first steps as a footballer on the fields of Nice. Among the supporters, he will be remembered as a good-natured boy, never refusing an autograph or a smile for a photo. Sport-wise, he will be remembered for his feats in the Coupe de la Ligue in 2005 and 2006 that helped bring OGC Nice to the Stade de France. His crucial saves last season that kept the Gym in the top tier and his performances this season that also contributed to the good standing of the red-and-black club (eighth in the league) will not be forgotten.
Hugo Lloris’s story is of a shy guy off the field who transforms into a feline on the field… and who is eager to roar in Lyon.
