It was a decision that could have changed the course of his career. Before moving abroad, Emerse Fae came very close to joining Olympique de Marseille.
At the time, while playing for FC Nantes, the Ivorian international was on the Marseille club’s radar. But talks quickly stalled over a demand made by Jose Anigo.
In an interview with L’Équipe, the current coach of the Elephants recalls the moment.
“He told me they wanted to bring me in, but that I would have to put my national team duties on hold.”
An unacceptable condition for Fae, who is deeply committed to his role with the Ivory Coast: “For me, that’s just not done,” he stated firmly.
A bold decision that ultimately led him to a stint in England with Reading, far from the Canebière.