He set himself a mission: “take as many points as possible and start first”. Because yes, Earvin Ngapeth will leave Alterna Stade Poitevin at the end of this year 2024, as he had the possibility. He made it known this Friday and should commit to a year and a half with Fenerbahçe, seventh in the Turkish championship and involved in the Champions League.
Despite the efforts and the proposal of the Alterna SPVB to keep the double Olympic champion until 2028, that of his future club, three or even four times higher, was impossible to refuse. While he still has four matches to play in the black and white colors until the derby against TVB scheduled for December 27, Earvin Ngapeth explains his choice.
Was the decision to leave difficult to make?
“For a month and a half, it’s been difficult. I quickly understood that it was going to be hard to leave. But after turning the issue over and over again with the family, it would have been madness to refuse. I'm 33 years old, I'm closer to the end than the beginning of my career and when there are opportunities like that, it's complicated to push them away. However, we tried by all means with Nonos (Cédric Enard) and Alterna to find solutions but financially the difference is too significant. »
There is the heart and the reason, and it is therefore the reason which prevailed…
” Exactly. After these three months here, I realize that France is still very far from other championships. My commitment to Poitiers for four years could have changed certain things but it is really a job of even longer duration. And after discussions with the family, it was better to spend a year and a half abroad in order to further secure the future. And we'll see what happens next. »
Are you aware of the efforts made by Alterna Stade Poitevin to preserve you?
” Of course. That's why we tried to find solutions. But in the end, despite the heart and efforts of all parties, the difference is too great. »
“If I come back to France, it will be in Poitiers”
By making this decision, are you not afraid of coming across as a mercenary?
“I could understand why people would be disappointed. Afterwards, it was announced from the start that I would surely leave. We got a little fired up, me first. I was good at Lawson-Body, in the other full rooms in France. I said to myself: ''how good does it feel to play at home and see that there is a real audience. ''At one point, I said to myself, yes, I'm going to stay. But there was a choice to make. That's how it is. »
Does this departure mark the end of the story with the club?
” No way. With Cédric, we talked a lot about the training center. I really want to be invested in this project. We will continue to discuss. Whatever happens, I will always be there for this club. Cédric knows that he can call me at any time and that I will do my best to meet your needs. »
Might you want to come back in two years?
“If I come back to France, it will be in Poitiers. Afterwards, I think there will be a little complicated time to go through. It's a step. In a year and a half, if I want to come back, I will definitely give Cédric a call and we will see how things can go. But I don't think I would do again what I did by signing for four months. The day I come back, it will be for good. Because this is really hard. It's a complicated situation for me, the club and the team, letting go of a collective that lives very well together. »
Are you already thinking about the last match at the Arena on December 27?
“There will be a lot of emotions, it will be difficult but I was ready from the beginning because I knew it was a possibility. It will be a great celebration of volleyball and it is good that the Arena closes this adventure. »
Your visit has generated incredible enthusiasm…
“In terms of the rooms, it was just fun. I felt super lucky to be able to experience this and receive all this love. They were moments of happiness every time. It was good for French volleyball but also for the city of Poitiers. It was talked about everywhere and I was super happy to be able to do that. »
Without you, do you think the team has the potential to play at the very top of the table and have a good run in the play-offs?
“We have a young team who work with a coach who helps everyone progress day by day. Individually and collectively. It's great. I hope that progress will go quickly to keep a good place in the play-offs and I don't have too much doubt that at that point, the team will be competitive to go for the title. »
