Cabaye on Newcastle: “people there live for football”
Posted on August 3rd, 2011 | 17 Comments |
This interview appeared on Lille FC’s site and all I’ve done is to transcribe it and do my best to correct some dodgy Franglaise returned by Google Translate.
Yohan, good morning. We are pleased to hear from you. How are you adapting to life in England?
Very well, thank you. I was fortunate to quickly find a house when I first came for the medical examination. I was able to go on holiday with the peace of mind of knowing that. Everything is going well with the other players, I was welcomed nicely. Knowing that my English is not too good, they make the effort to speak slowly so I can understand. I’m starting to get my bearings.
What were your impressions on arriving in Newcastle?
There are some things you only understand when you arrive in Newcastle. People there live for football. Wherever you go, you wear the jersey of Newcastle. This is awesome! This club has a great reputation because it has a prestigious past. For example, for first friendly match against a team from the fifth division, there were 9000 people at the stadium with 6,000 fans Magpies.
Have you noticed the differences with the French football?
Yes, the intensity is different, especially in training. I notice that every day. French players must quickly get up to speed, otherwise you may suffer. The team has good players who want to monopolise possession at all costs. But I feel good, especially since there are many other Frogs in the group.
What is forthcoming?
We are on the back of a defeat against Leeds (3-2) and preparing for our next match on Saturday when we play Fiorentina in our last friendly. The Premier League starts on August 13 with Arsenal at St James’ Park. Then we play the derby at Sunderland. The fans keep saying you can lose anything except that game, much like the LOSC-RC Lens. The atmosphere is something crazy!
What is the first memory that comes back to you in mind when you’re talking about the LOSC?
There are so many. I would say my first match against Istres at Nimes (0-2 win, 7 November 2004), because that is where it all began for me as a professional. I was launched into the deep end. This was the first step to getting me where I am today.
What are the high points of your seven seasons with Lille?
The two titles, obviously. As a footballer there is nothing more rewarding. That memory will stay with me forever. In 20 years, we know that fans will still talk about this the 2010-2011 Lille team. These are things that not be forgotten.
Have you felt a tug at your heart when leaving the LOSC?
I’ll be honest, it was hard, especially in the final against Rennes (3-2). I felt great emotion at the time of my departure, what with getting the trophy and the victory lap. I said, “that’s it, it’s all over!” But such is football. A player sometimes requires change to evolve and grow. In England, I will discover another culture, another life.
Finally, have you a word for the Lille fans?
I thank you very much from the heart. They have always been exceptional and I was very proud to have been able to win these titles with the team for them. I sincerely hope that Lille will continue to have good time. Whatever happens, I will remain a supporter of the LOSC. This is my club, that will never change. I have also subscribed to the French channels to watch the upcoming season.
NUFCBlog Author: Hugh de Payen
I'm a baby-boomer of the punk rock persuasion, currently exiled in Somerset for crimes committed in a previous life where locals keep trying to poison me with something called 'scrumpy'. Hates sprouts, coat-hangers, Cilla Black, ornaments, Steven Seagull movies and 50 Cent (he's not worth 10).
Hugh de Payen has written 634 articles on this blog.
Could be playing in the championship season after next :lol:
He must be thinking what the hell have I let myself in for already…must look like a proper mess especially for the new players.