Jean-Clair Todibo

Speaking after OGC Nice’s victory against Sheriff Tiraspol, which guaranteed Les Aiglons’ progression into the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa Conference League, defender and captain for the game Jean-Clair Todibo (23) opened up on a paradoxical day.

He captained Nice in a historical match against Sheriff. It is the first time that Le Gym have made it through to the quarter-finals of a European competition since 1960. However, prior to the match, there was disappointment for Todibo, who narrowly missed out on a call-up to the France national team.

The former Barcelona defender was shortlisted by manager Didier Deschamps for the first time but ultimately missed out on the squad, which was announced on Thursday afternoon. However, his teammate, Khéphren Thuram (21), received his first call-up.

In the post-match mixed zone, attended by Get French Football News journalist Luke Entwistle, Todibo opened up about the mixed emotions surrounding the squad announcement. “Naturally, there was a bit of disappointment, as I had hoped to be included in the squad. But it doesn’t stop there. Honestly, at 14:00 (the time of the squad announcement) there was more pride than disappointment because I was very happy for my friend Khéphren (Thuram), who was called up,” he began.

Todibo continued, “To be completely honest, I’m quite a patient person. It will happen in time and my football will do the talking. If today the manager decided that I wasn’t worth the call-up then I have more work to do and I have to improve. I am hungry to improve. That’s not an issue for me. There is no problem with me not being called up today. I hope to be called up the next time or if not then, the time after that.”

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