Yaël Thebault:
“It’s a lot of pride and joy to sign my first professional contract with my training club. It is the reward for a lot of work over many years. I thank the club for the trust shown, it is a strong sign one month after a serious injury. She's going to keep me away from the field for a while, a difficult moment to overcome, but to see that the club is present, it gives a lot of strength. I was in a good dynamic with things to look for, but it happens, you have to know how to get over it. It will boost me during rehabilitation to come back even stronger next season. I will work hard every day.
This journey is made up of numerous encounters which have allowed me to get here today. I have put in a lot of work, my entourage is always there for me. I thank all the leaders, educators, coaches I have had since I was little, the ETP staff too, all these people who contribute to our development.
I am Parisian by birth but my parents are Breton, my family lives in Brittany, I feel Breton. When Stade Rennais came to me five years ago, I didn't hesitate, I knew it was here I wanted to play. Training matters a lot to the club, it’s a major argument. »
Denis Arnaud, Director of the Academy:
“He is part of the potential of the 2007 generation. He is rewarded based on his background, his personality, his player profile and his mentality. It totally corresponds to the values of Stade Rennais. It is further proof of the potential of the Rennes training pool. It's only a step before establishing himself among the professionals but it's in any case a pleasure to see him sign, despite the injury. It is a very strong mark of confidence in the common values shared between Yaël and the club. It is rare in professional football to offer a first contract to an injured player, however we put human values at the center of the project. The club must be present in difficult times, supporting the players in all circumstances. If we can build a man, we have a good chance of shaping a very good player.
Yaël is an intelligent boy, already professional in his head, he is structured and completely committed to his project. We have even more pleasure in signing a boy with a full head, composed, and aware of the qualities and points to improve. He is on the right path, it is once again the reward for the work of the Stade Rennais educators. Many people work to support young people and each of them at some point has a role to play in their journey. The DNA of the club remains training. »
