Former Manchester City and Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna reveals why he moved to Benevento over other top clubs
The Frenchman has been without a club since the summer and has revealed his desire to represent the underdog as he joins Serie A side Benevento.
BACARY SAGNA has revealed his desire to represent the underdog as he signs for Italian Serie A club, Benevento.
The former Arsenal and Manchester City defender has described his move being down to his passion for football and not the business aspect.
The 34-year-old spent ten years playing in the Premier League and has been a free agent since last summer.
In an exclusive interview with FootballFanCast.com, Sagna explained why he has signed for Benevento, who are currently bottom of the table in Serie A.
“In the past few months, I have had several offers from clubs in the top leagues in England, France, Spain, Turkey, the MLS and elsewhere in Italy. However, they were not the right moves for myself or my family."
“Going to Benevento is not a move I am making for financial reasons. I could have gone to many other clubs, many of whom made substantial offers to me. My career for the past decade has been at the very top level, what Benevento offers me is the opportunity to represent the underdog and to play for a club whose story is such a beautiful one."
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Sagna has signed a six-month contract with the Italian club with includes a year in option.
During his interview the Frenchman explains that his move had nothing to do with money or business and was based on the passion for the game.
“In an era when football has become more of a business at many clubs than an actual sport, Benevento represents the heart and soul of what a football club should be about. Passion, heart, hope, joy, love and a philosophy that is aligned to that of my own way of thinking in life."
“They are a great family club, built around the community they are in. At this moment in my life, it is where I want to play football, it is where I want to be right now. I still believe I have two or three years of playing football at a very good level. I have always kept myself in very good shape and I live a healthy lifestyle, so the fitness side of the game will not be an issue to me."
Sagna has 65 caps for France and has made over 260 appearance in the Premier League for Manchester City and Arsenal.
The defender hopes that his move will give him the opportunity to play for France in the World Cup finals this summer.
“I still believe I can make the World Cup Finals this summer and play again for France. I have always been proud to play for my country and the burning ambition to continue to do that has never left me. I will give it my best shot to be in Russia."
“My move may surprise many but I am one hundred percent sure, that I am joining the right club, for the right reasons."
“For right now, I am coming to Benevento to fight for the club, to fight for the fans. It will be my pleasure to be part of this wonderful club, to be with these wonderful people."
“It is the beginning of the next chapter my life and I am looking forward to what I am sure will be a very happy period in both my professional and personal life.”
Benevento are currently 20th in the Serie A table with just 7 points and recently set a new European record by losing their opening 14 matches of the season.
Sagna is now on a mission to prevent his new side form being relegated at the end of the season.