I was browsing the French football website FranceFootball (as you do) and, by pure chance came across an interview with Morgan Schneiderlin that they've just put up today. I've done a translation below, but here's the original link: http://www.francefootball.fr/#!/new...erlin-objectif-la-premier-league-en-2012.html The French midfielder from Southampton, aged 21, has singed a contract until 2014 with the club, who have been promoted to the English second division. Morgan, why are you ready to stay with Southampton, where you arrived in 2008? Because I feel good. This is a very good sporting project and the club is on a very sound base. The president has big ambitions: he wants to go up next season to the Premier League. That's what attracted me. Here, I find fulfillment and hope, why not discover the elite division. Southampton were there a few years ago, before going down because of financial problems. But its facilities are those of an elite club. Have the club made signings to enable them to gain promotion in 2012? The management sold Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (hopeful England international, 18, sold for 12M Euros) to Arsenal. It will enable them to put a lot of money into the coffers and sign two or three other players. They want to reach the play-offs at least at the end of the season. For now, we are second after beating Leeds 3-1 (1st day). One would imagine that the Championship (English D2) is quite physical? Since my arrival, I have had one year in the Championship, and two years in League One (D3). In Championship, there is good football, even if it is physical, because you have to respond to contact. In League One ... There are no poets? (by "poets", I'm assuming he's referring to highly skillful 'poetic' football). There are good teams, but not poets! The main thing was to get out out of that division. We did it. I'm trying to help make sure we don't go back. I have grown physically since arriving from Strasbourg. Why did you leave Alsace when you were eighteen? Racing had gone down to L2. I felt it would be harder to have match time. Southampton, who were then in the Championship, said they were counting on my help to get back to the Premier League. It did not happen like that, but I have not wasted my time. There are young people who go to big clubs, but stay with the reserve and don't get the playing time I have. In addition, I was called up by Erick Mombaerts [French U21 coach], and have been selected for the youth team since without interruption. I hope I have shown progress. My ambition is to one day play at the highest level. Interview by Vincent Villa. I think I love him.
Wait, so has he signed a new contract? Very relieved if he has as I heard his was running out end of this season, and would hate to see him go on a free!
Good find, did you translate that yourself?! If so then that's a pretty impressive knowledge of the french language. Thanks for finding it anyway.
"There are good teams, but not poets!" The French eh? You gotta laugh. You would never hear that from an English player even if they did know what poetry was.
Thanks for this. Sounds a sensible lad with what he says about not wanting to languish in reserves of a higher team. Not a big 'I am' then. Interesting that he says intention is Prem this year and at least top 6.
Allez les Bleus. Well done Morgan. What a talent. We are oh so very lucky to have a young french player of his class and ability and he says good things about our club too! Allez les Bleus
Very good point, I totally forgot about that. Surprised the club haven't made a big deal about it yet (as they did with Lambert and Davis)
Cheers for translating! I too thought his contract was coming to an end fairly soon, would be great if he has indeed signed a new one. Maybe the club thought we had enough good news today with Fox signing and Forecast off on loan so are waiting for a rainy day to announce!
Yeah, took me a while but I like a challenge. Am studying French at Uni. Cheers Must admit, I had no idea he'd signed a new contract until seeing this. I assumed I must have missed an official announcement about it as I've been away. Looks like I just broke the news!
I spoke to Morgan a couple of times at the awards dinner. He us a quietly spoken chap and really really amiable. A far from big time as possible. Top Monsieur
Really hope he has signed a new deal. If he has then just Fonte for a new deal (i think everyone will agree he deserves it!), then a new CB and a striker, i will be delighted!
