February 2, 2021. On this day, the Hyères Football Club entered a new era. “After weeks and weeks of noise in the corridors, Mourad Boudjellal and his team of investors take over the management of the pennant team (N2). With this in mind, a public limited company with a sporting object (SASP) will see the light of day, the club announced in a press release ”. The former president of Rugby Club Toulonnais did not arrive alone since he wanted to surround himself with competent and talented people to carry out this project. This is how he convinced Nicolas Anelka to come and put his knowledge and know-how at the service of HFCs. It must be said that the curriculum vitae of the former international tricolor (14 goals in 69 capes) speaks for him, since he notably wore the jerseys of PSG, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester City or again from Juventus.
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A real personality, humble and discreet but sometimes misunderstood, who therefore accepted Hyères’ proposal on February 3. “After that of Mourad Boudjellal as big boss of the pennant team (N2), it’s Nicolas Anelka’s turn to confirm his arrival as sports director. A blow of exceptional magnitude for the club. Indeed the former international center forward has a worldwide notoriety and a network in adequacy after remarkable passages in England, Italy, Spain, China and Turkey. Moreover and this is the most important it is automatically respected by the current generation of players because its simple “name” is evocative. His speech will only have more weight. This will make it easier for him to understand what his players may be feeling and therefore adapt his dialogue accordingly. It is with great pride and respect that the big family of Hyères FC welcomes a professional of the stature of Nicolas Anelka. Immediate respect! ”
Anelka thanks Hyères FC
At 42, Nicolas Anelka therefore launched a new challenge where he was ready to invest 100%, he who also obtained his coaching diplomas. Asked about his choice to join the HFC, the former player said: “It happened very simply. It was pretty fluid. There really weren’t many questions to ask. I knew that Mourad wanted to take over Hyères. He told me about the project, which is very interesting, even though it’s a National 2 club. And working with him gives it even more weight. “ Unfortunately, the coronavirus epidemic, which has affected the planet for more than a year now, has caused the project to fall behind schedule. Suspended for several months (last official match on October 24 against Monaco B), the N2 championship was definitively stopped by the FFF on April 23. In view of all these elements, Nicolas Anelka decided to make an important decision, as he explained to us.
“I came to this project thinking that the virus was conquered and that amateur football was going to resume. After three months at the club the observation is obvious! The sports project is no longer the same! Amateur football is at a standstill and the restrictions are even more severe. Aware of the financial difficulties that have arisen at the club, which weigh on the implementation of the project and decisions taken against amateur football, I do not see any short and medium-term projection on amateur football. My experience and expertise are of no use at the moment! I therefore prefer to devote my time to my other activities. I thank the president for giving me this opportunity! I discovered a club, this magnificent region and its friendly inhabitants. I wish good luck to this project and to all the team which supervises the club ”. Saddened to leave the Var club, Nicolas Anelka keeps only good memories.
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