During an interview given to Téléfoot last Sunday, Lucas Digne admitted to having come very close to a return to Ligue 1 in the summer of 2023. The former left-back of LOSC even almost joined a direct competitor of the Mastiffs in the race for Europe.
Lucas Digne finally blocked by Unai Emery
Lucas Digne came close to being on the field during the sad LOSC – Nice (2-2) last May, preventing Lille from qualifying directly for the Champions League. Indeed, the native of Meaux almost experienced a third French club in his career, after having worn the jersey of Lille and PSG. So lacking playing time at Aston Villa, the French international (50 caps) is the subject of an approach from OGC Nice, keen to strengthen his left lane.
A transfer ultimately blocked by Unai Emery. “ I was close to Nice but in the end the coach didn’t agree at all with this idea of letting me go. I told him that I accepted his choice, provided I had playing time, explained Lucas Digne in the Téléfoot show. Everything went well, we secured the Champions League and now I can play it!«
A few months later, Lucas Digne returned to LOSC, failing to make his return to Ligue 1 during the quarter-finals of the Conference League. A double confrontation favorable to the left-hander despite an overall domination of the Mastiffs against the Villa’s. This season, Lucas Digne remains a major element of Unai Emery’s system with already 20 matches under his belt in all competitions.
Photo credits: Hugo Pfeiffer/Icon Sport
