Wahbi Khazri : "My heart was leaning towards Saint-Etienne”

How did the discussions with ASSE go?

I had the chance to play for the World Cup with Tunisia. After I was able to concentrate on my future. In regards of my decision to join Saint-Étienne, Jean-Louis Gasset’s discourse was the deciding factor. To feel sought-after, at this point, by a historic club, one of the largest French clubs, is very rewarding.

Did the quality of the players Saint-Etienne gained during the last mercato influence your choice?

The coach and I spoke a lot. His discourse is passionate, and the plan that he has for the club is exciting. When a coach like Jean-Louis Gasset tells you how well he thinks of you, that means a lot. My heart was leaning towards Saint-Etienne. Yann M’Vila’s presence on the team is important as well. We’re very close, he speaks very highly of the club.

Your name has come up several times during the last few mercatos. You’re finally Stéphanois. How do you feel?

I’m very content and excited. I’m eager to start training with my new teammates, and to start competing again in a new environment. Playing in a stadium like Geoffroy-Guichard, with such fans, it’s difficult when you’re playing there on an away team. That’s how it was for me in the past. I’m eager to play in the Cauldron while sporting the green jersey.

Do you consider yourself to be a striker or an attacking midfielder?

It’s been 7-8 months now that I’ve played as a striker, that I’ve been honing my skills in order to be an effective striker. I did not think that it would please me as much as it does. I enjoy the feeling of offensive liberty. That’s part of what I’ll discuss with the coach in due time.

What are you objectives as one of the Verts?

I joined this club in order to reach a new level. Ensuring that the team progresses would allow me to achieve my personal objectives, which provides me with additional motivation. This is only my opinion, but I sincerely think that we can, as a team, attain one of the top-5 rankings in the championship.