The decision had been made for a while. I had no trouble announcing it because it was a thoughtful choice, which I had anticipated. I didn't really know when to announce it, that was mainly my problem. It doesn't necessarily change anything but it's true that having announced it, having received a few messages, I realized that it was happening, that the end was approaching. But it’s an accepted decision.
You made it big through a video alongside Laurent Marti and Fabien Galthié…
I went to see Laurent to tell him what I wanted to do, something that was a bit like me, so that we could have a laugh and put out a nice little ad, as we always did with him during my career. It was to punctuate this common thread. He accepted. And for added hilarity, I also wanted to announce my international retirement. I called Fabien last week. To my great surprise, it was very enthusiastic. He had a big week but the weather cleared on Saturday morning. We all tuned our violins and the three of us met at the Ceva Campus for a little moment out of time, quite lunar. But it happened very naturally. Thanks to them for playing the game.
You will experience your first tenure with UBB since March 31, 2024, against Lyon. What does this inspire you?
We close the loop. It's a nice little wink. It was a very long time following that quadriceps injury there. I am very happy to play again, to rediscover the atmosphere of Chaban. I know I don't have a long career left in front of me, the matches are numbered now. So I want to take in everything that presents itself, to enjoy every moment. I'm still a player, so count on me to try to bring as much as possible to the team. It's been a while since I've been seen, I'm hungry for the game. I hope that translates onto the pitch.
How did you get through this long tunnel mentally?
It's never easy. Unfortunately, I've been somewhat used to it throughout my career. It's part of the job, you have to know how to stand up, always hold on so as not to sink. It's difficult when you relapse. Knowing that I am living my last season, I wanted to come back to experience as many matches and sensations as possible. It is clear that this was missed in the first part of the season. I doubted. But I was very well surrounded, whether by my family or at the club. The first match at Stade Français was a real breath of fresh air. I sold 2024 which was not a great year. 2025 begins under better auspices. I hope the season ends with a bang.
-“Finishing with a title, I dream of it. I would be very happy, I could leave with a nice banana”
Is the duplicate period a good opportunity to show off?
Of course. It is during these periods that I am expected. Last year, we still sinned quite a bit. We learned lessons from the past. We are committed to doing the job, to running the house. We have a group and players who are largely capable of it. The game project is clearly understood, we have a solid base. It's up to us to build on it to continue the momentum (9 victories in a row).
When you look back on these ten seasons spent at UBB, what do you say to yourself?
We are not yet in the nostalgic period. But since 2015, the club has obviously grown: whether it is the infrastructure, the staff, the players, the training conditions… Everything has evolved, everything has become more demanding. The club has structured itself well to reach this high level. We were playing on a soft stomach and we were just talking about qualification at the time. Today, I don't think I'm wrong too much, by being humble, by saying that we are still in the good car at the top of the table. That’s good, we need to perpetuate it. This club and its supporters deserve to win a title to truly validate this progress.
Knowing that you are experiencing your last season, has the title become even more of an obsession?
