Why did you decide to leave OL in July 2019?
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Hamza Rafia: I spent nine years in Lyon. I had signed a two-year internship contract there, which then allowed me to sign a professional contract. But I felt that OL didn’t really count on me. When you are 20 years old and you haven’t done much with the first team yet… I would have liked to win at OL, like a lot of young people have done. Afterwards, the opportunity for the U23s of Juve presented itself. I signed in Lyon and I left, the two presidents wanted to do things correctly so that a transfer allowance was possible. Me, that allowed me to be in a big club and to play. OL have always treated me well and this compensation was also a way of thanking them. Everything was done amicably, it was just the end of a relationship. There was no disagreement.
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Could Lacazette or Benzema trajectories influence you in your choice to go abroad?
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HR: They first succeeded at OL. I would have liked to do the same and then, why not, join other European clubs. I’m not hiding, it would have been a dream. But then another introduced himself to me. This is how it is football.
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Hamza Rafia with Lyon in 2016
Credit: Getty Images
How did Juve convince you?
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HR: They had studied my profile and followed me to the Youth League. Their project allowed me to play directly and to be able to rub shoulders with the greatest. In addition, I am not far from home and I have adapted perfectly. It made me take on another dimension. Today I speak the language and I am very well integrated here.
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Many French players, also gone to Italy, speak of a much higher level of requirement. Do you agree ?
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HR: I remember, even today, one of the first things that stood out when I arrived at Juve. Fabio Pecchia, my first coach, organized tactical sessions on match days. We got up in the morning, we put on our clothes to go to the field. On the one hand, the holders accompanied by all the liners. In front, the coach, a single ball and stakes. Then you had to get moving for 15-20 minutes. Afterwards, you know exactly what to do in a match. Here the requirement is different. For players like me, it was remarkable. For example, you have to come every day an hour before training. And thirty minutes before, we all have to be in the gym. It is not mandatory, but it is just normal for everyone. We work more than in France.
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How does a club like Juve support its new players from abroad?
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HR: It’s a club that accompanies you in all the administrative procedures, even to find your apartment. All day-to-day things are handled. This allows you to focus on the ground. Here people live for football, it breathes football, it’s something incredible. I did not expect that. Juve, who win a trophy every year, are respected by all. Even U23s like us are already in demand.
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What French level could the Lega Pro compare to, where Juve’s U23s play?
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HR: It’s the third division, we could compare it to the National level in France. It’s a very good springboard. This allows young talents to express themselves and show themselves. There is nothing to envy at the level of U23 Barça or Real. We are the only one in Italy. In addition, we won the Italian Cup at this level last season. Our goal is Serie B. Then there is also the opportunity to join the professional group. Andrea Pirlo also observes our team a lot.
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Hamza Rafia – Juventus Under 23-Ternana – Italian Cup Final Serie C 2019-2020 – Getty Images
Credit: Getty Images
After a few months, you started training with the professional team …
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HR: For five minutes, you think about it a bit. And then when training begins, you don’t think about anything. I played football as I always did, without thinking about who won what, who played in such and such a team… This is how you fit in more easily.
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Which players helped you the most in your integration?
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HR: This team is exceptional. They are all champions, and they take great care. They are normal and simple people. Giorgio (Chiellini) is very invested, he often comes to see us, his brother is also in the staff of the club. They are all very beautiful people besides being great footballers.
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How is Cristiano Ronaldo on a daily basis?
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HR: Being able to train with such a player confirms that you are on the right track. It is an example, a stimulus for the future. It’s very motivating to be by his side. For me, this is not an end. But just a start. He always trains hard. This is the definition of the word work.
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Andrea Pirlo seems to trust young players more and more. What coach is he?
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HR: He’s a very close coach. He is very close to his players, while keeping the distance between the coach and the players. Everyone has a lot of respect for him. He doesn’t talk a lot, but when he does he is listened to a lot. He doesn’t need to shout loudly. He gives really great advice.
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This goal against Genoa, for your first appearance with the first team, does it mark a turning point in your career?
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HR: It was very important to me. At the time, I obviously thought of my parents and my family. With the adrenaline rush, I hadn’t even realized I had injured myself just before. I scored my first goal with an injury. I received a lot of messages after …
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Karim Benzema, he paid tribute to you on Instagram shortly after the final whistle …
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HR: We lived on the same street. I was very friends with his little brother. This is an example, we both started at SC Bron Terraillon. We had the same coaches at OL, we played on the same grounds… I wanted to become like him, hoping that this is just the beginning. Karim has been there too. He advises me, he gives me little words through his brothers. When he returns to Lyon, we try to see each other.
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Your ambition is to impose yourself on Juve?
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HR: That goal changed a lot of things. Before, I was a U23 player who could claim to play for the professional team. Now, I showed myself, I scored… I am recovering from my injury then we will see the objectives. The group is consistent in the first team. For the next six months, my head is Juve. I am very happy there and I want to continue to improve. It really is a club that breathes football. In Turin, you can smell Juve everywhere. And that can only make you want to whip.
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Why did you opt for the Tunisian selection (it has a selection with the France U16 team and one in U17, note)?
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HR: It’s very simple. Tunisia contacted me, CAN is coming and the World Cup too. I participated in qualifying for the CAN. The Tunisian selection gave me this opportunity and I wanted to accept it, I have seven selections today. We have to come back down to earth, I’m only in U23 for now. I play for Juve but I’m not yet in the first team. I continue to grow quietly.
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