The French Ambassador to Ghana, Frederic Clavier has described Ghanaian, Andre Ayew’s transfer from the French club Olympique Marseille as a big loss to French football.
Ayew joined English Premier League club Swansea on a free transfer after his contract with Marseillle expired.
He had been at the French club for a decade joining the youth team in 2005 from Narnia FC.
And according to the French emissary, who describes Ayew as one of the best players in the French first division; “Of course it is disappointing because Dede Ayew is one of the best players in the French Championship,” he opined.
“After many years [at Marseille] he decided it was time for a change and to go to the English Premier League with Swansea but Marseille wouldn’t have been what it is now without Dede Ayew.”
Mr. Clavier admitted that the French league was behind the other major leagues in Europe, particularly England and Spain but insisted that the high quality of football played in the division enabled them to compete with the best teams on the European continent.
“The Spanish League and the English League are maybe the best in Europe but the French league is also very good. We have at least four or five very good teams; Paris Saint Germain, Marseille, Lyon and Bordeaux,” he noted.
“PSG were beaten in the Champions League by Barcelona; we try to compete with the rest of Europe.”
He added that the large number of African players in the French top flight could be attributed to the style of play which he believed are suited for each other.
“We are very happy to have some players from African players including a few from Ghana. The players are quite technical and physical which is a good fit for the league.”
Source: Citifmonline