Adil Aouchiche has indicated that St Etienne’s ‘magnificent’ fan base was a major reason in his decision to reject offers from Arsenal and Leicester City, while speaking to Get France Football News.
Considering that Mikel Arteta and Brendan Rodgers both have a fine reputation when it comes to setting unproven youngsters on the path to the top, you would be forgiven for being a little taken aback as the French wonder-kid opts to stay on the other side of the Channel.
According to RMC last week, Aouchiche had offers on the table from both Arsenal and Leicester after becoming the latest future superstar to slip through the Paris Saint-Germain net.
A balletic play-maker who some have labelled the second coming of Zinedine Zidane has made the rather eye-catching decision to sign a three-year deal with a St Etienne side who finished 17th in Ligue 1 last season.
But while Les Verts underachieved badly on the pitch under Claude Puel, it is their reputation off it which appeared to make Aouchiche’s mind up.
“It is with immense pride that I sign with St Étienne. I am joining a great club in Ligue 1, which is carried by the fervour around it,” says the second-youngest goalscorer in PSG history.
“The supporters are magnificent. The city breathes football. I made the right choice. This passion provides a lot of strength. I will give my all.”
Aouchiche will now be hoping to follow in the footsteps of St Etienne legend Michel Platini and unlock every inch of his fearsome potential in that iconic green kit.
During France’s victorious U17 European Championship campaign a year ago, Aouchiche actually equalled a 34-year-old Platini record by scoring nine goals in just five games – the joint-most ever in a UEFA competition.
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