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Without a club since his departure from the LOSC a little less than three years ago, Hatem Ben Arfa takes advantage of his free time to indulge in his new passion, the Padel. Although he still has not formalized his retirement, difficult to imagine the 37 -year -old striker regaining service. His best season will therefore certainly remain that of 2015-2016. During this exercise, “HBA” evolved on the side of Nice, where he scored 17 goals and delivered 6 assists in 34 Ligue 1 matches. What allow him to find a place in the French team.
At the time, his arrival in Nice had made a lot of noise. Released from his contract with Newcastle, he then settled down on the Côte d'Azur, four and a half years after leaving Ligue 1.. A surprise return told by Julien Fournier, former director of Aiglons football. “” It is first Mathieu Bodmer who comes to see me to tell me that Hatem wants to call me. We have a story with Hatem, I was among those who brought him to Marseille. Mathieu tells me that Hatem is interested in the idea of coming (in Nice) ”he tells RMC Sport.
“I saw Hatem and Claude connect to the football level”
“” Hatem calls me and said to me: 'You know in what situation I am but I want to come back. We know each other, I know you will be able to manage me. My only fear is the coach (Claude Puel). Do you think it can match? ' I replied: 'You are well placed to know that we often put labels. This is what you are doing with Claude, who passes for someone cold, too rigorous … The best is to meet people, so come and meet Claude. ' I therefore secretly organize a meeting between Claude and Hatem in Nice ”says Julien Fournier.
And to conclude: “ We find ourselves and I escape to leave them both. Claude was fantastic. I saw Hatem and Claude connect to the football level. They stayed two hours. We get out of there and hatem says: 'I sign, I sign!' I tell him to take his time. The next day, he reminds me of telling me that he wants to sign. It was done like that. It was in January, but there was an imbroglio administratively so he finally came in June. A choice that the two parties have not regretted.
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Manu Tournoux is a passionate and knowledgeable football enthusiast with a special focus on French football. Born and raised in France, Manu discovered his love for the beautiful game at a young age and developed a deep understanding of the ins and outs of "Le Championnat." His French roots and extensive experience in football journalism have made him an invaluable asset to the French Football Weekly team.
 
 As an author for the website, Manu's expertise includes not only in-depth analysis of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches but also insightful profiles of up-and-coming talents, detailed transfer news, and engaging coverage of the French national team. His captivating writing style and undeniable passion for the game have earned him a loyal following among our readers.
 
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