Two months after signing with OGC Nice, Swedish player Niklas Hult shares his experience of joining and settling in with the Aiglons. For Nice Premium, he talks about his happiness being in Nice, his desire to speak French, and thanks the club for their welcome.
Nice Premium: You joined Nice two months ago now, how do you feel in this new city?
Niklas Hult: It’s a real pleasure to be here. I love the city of Nice, there are so many things to see and visit. The weather is incredible, it’s the major change compared to the start of my career in Sweden.
N.P.: What do you prefer about Nice and its surroundings?
N.H.: Without a doubt the sun, the beach, and the sea. I appreciate the city for its shops and also the Old Nice, which is a great area. I also discovered Antibes and Monaco, two places where I had excellent times.
N.P.: What changes have you experienced compared to your life in Sweden?
N.H.: First of all, the language, which is why I am taking French lessons with the club. I’m lucky to have a teacher who comes to my home, so I’m progressing well. I want to speak French, it’s very important for integration. Arriving in an unfamiliar place is always complicated at first. I had to adapt to the city, the lifestyle, the club; everything was new to me.
N.P.: What do you miss the most from Sweden?
N.H.: My family, my friends, but I keep in regular contact with them. Some family members and friends have already come to see me and visit the region.
N.P.: What was your main motivation when signing with OGC Nice?
N.H.: I wanted to become a better player in all respects. The French Championship is one or two levels above the Swedish one, it’s good to face great teams and great players. I think I made the right choice.
N.P.: You signed very early (end of June) with Nice, how did your integration into the group go?
N.H.: From the moment I arrived, everyone was very welcoming to me, including the club, the players, and the staff. This made my integration into the group easier. I feel very good in a club that I would describe as “family-oriented.” The club’s mentality is excellent; there are no players who are arrogant (he mimics with his hands). The group has been very united since the beginning of the season, and this feeling on and off the field is important.
Interview collected by Clément Bigois
