After leaving OGC Nice at the end of a loan that saved the Eagles, Elye Wahi is back on the Côte d’Azur. The 23-year-old Ivorian striker, who failed at Frankfurt, has once again committed to Nice on loan with a purchase option worth 15 million euros. A return that confirms a mutual attachment born in just a few months, and which could this time last longer.
During his presentation to the media, Elye Wahi was quickly asked about the nature of this bond with the Gym. His answer contains no scholarly formulas: « It’s love at first sight, like when you look at a girl! The last six months went well despite a season that wasn’t fantastic, but the important thing was to stay in Ligue 1. » An attachment that the striker struggles to put into words: « I think it happened naturally. That’s what makes it even greater. »
He confirmed this love at first sight as soon as negotiations were announced, notably turning down approaches from Lazio Rome and Hull City. « In my head, it was quite clear from the start », explains Wahi with an emotional smile, he who remained in contact all summer with Roger Ricort, OGC Nice’s sporting director.
A reception fit for a rockstar
He was awaited like the Messiah, and his return did nothing to dispel this. On Sunday, his late arrival at Terminal 1 of Nice airport turned into a popular event when a crowd of supporters was there to welcome him. « When I landed, I went to the bathroom and heard noises, I wondered what it was. Once I came out, I saw a couple of looks and I understood right away », recounts the native of Courcouronnes, in Essonne. He admitted to being particularly moved by the support received on social media in recent weeks, without always being able to respond.
From Frankfurt’s failure to Nice’s rebirth
During his complicated spell in Germany, Elye Wahi failed to find the back of the net in the Bundesliga wearing the Eintracht Frankfurt shirt. He has only one goal in a first round cup match against a fifth-division team. Poor statistics that prompted him to find a way out, both this winter and this summer. On this break, the Ivorian remains factual, without animosity: « We had to talk. I think it didn’t necessarily come from the coach. These are decisions we have to accept as footballers, and I wish them a very good season. »
The contrast is striking between his underwhelming German performances and the efficiency shown from his first minutes at Nice. In 19 appearances, the striker scored nine goals and provided two assists, with several moments of glory. Among them, a brace in Strasbourg in the Coupe de France semi-final and another in the playoff against Saint-Étienne, which meant survival.
Rather than attempt another experience abroad, he preferred stability: « I didn’t want to change my environment again, club and make new acquaintances. Here, I felt good right away. I was able to come back and I’m very happy. » After a good understanding with Claude Puel, the Gym’s number 11 this time reunites with Olivier Pantaloni, whose personality he already praises: « He’s a very human coach, very professional, who has had good results so far. »
Responsibilities assumed
Back with a full season ahead of him, unlike his first fleeting spell, the striker is aware of the change in status that comes with it. « I know I’ll be expected, but these are the kind of responsibilities I like and want to have. I’ll give everything for the club and for the supporters », he confides.
He would like to take on a big brother role in a rejuvenated dressing room: « We’re very pleased to have young players of quality. It will be up to us, the slightly older guys, to mentor them. »
« Being in the top 10 would be a successful season »
On a collective level, the former Montpellier player makes his return in a different context, far removed for now from a fight for survival. He refuses to set himself a limit: « Being in the top 10 would be a successful season. » Regarding national team selection, he who describes himself as « functioning on emotion » draws positive conclusions from his first World Cup with Côte d’Ivoire, determined to establish himself there permanently.
Still a bit short physically to start, Elye Wahi, who hopes to be included in the squad for the trip to Paris, says he is « mentally at 100% » and ready to come on during the game.
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