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TOTO MARTI
1.7
Johann Djourou is back in business.
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TOTO MARTI
2.7
The former Nati player keeps fit at FC Sion. Does he even sign in Sion?
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TOTO MARTI
3.7
A year ago, after “many physical problems” at SPAL, he asked himself to cancel his contract with the Serie A club.
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TOTO MARTI
7.7
The Romands is far from thinking about the end of his career. «Why too? I’m not done with football yet, I’m only 32, »he says.
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Christian Constantin stayed in Valais and yet the Sion boss is up close in the training camp in Cadiz. He calls to southern Spain every day, even several times. CC wants to know everything. He often asks about Johan Djourou. The 32-year-old ex-Nati star is said to be his king transfer. If he is ready after exactly one year without a club. When the Sion team is back on January 14th, CC will speak to everyone involved and then decide.
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“I am highly motivated”
BLICK is listening to Cadiz beforehand. Coach Ricardo Dionisio: «We have no doubts about his footballing and human qualities. Johan is extremely professional on and off the pitch. The only question is: How does his body react to the high intensity? »Everyone else raves about Djourou. From his experience, personality and collegiality. Zero star fuss, although he played 144 games for Arsenal, played 76 times for Nati and was Bundesliga captain. On the contrary: Djourou often talks to the boys, they say. “It’s clear that I help the boys and give advice if they ask me,” he says.
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Djourou looks happy. Although still without a contract, he has been part of a team for the first time in a year. He has been silent in public for the past six months, but is now an exception for BLCK in Cadiz. “I am 100 percent ready, I am fit and highly motivated.”
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In January a year ago, after “many physical problems” at SPAL, he asked himself to cancel his contract with the Serie A club in order to have his knee operated on. “I wanted to give myself time, I wanted to be able to decide for myself when I would be fit – without pressure from an employer or from doctors,” he says.
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Back home
The planned half year without a club has now turned into twelve months. How hard was the year without a club? Djourou thinks about it, then says: «It was not hard, it was much more instructive. I was able to benefit a lot during this time. I have learned so much about my body and all kinds of therapies. ”He has also spent so long back in Geneva for the first time since he left the Arsenal when he was 16. Djourou meets former colleagues and does a lot with his family. “The children also enjoyed the fact that Daddy had so much time.”
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He had never thought of the end of his career in the past twelve months, he says, “Why should I? I’m not done with football yet, I’m only 32. »
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Djourou looks relaxed
On Monday, the central defender will play his first game since December 2018. In the 1-1 draw against the Hungarian runners-up Vidi, he makes a great comeback after 13 months without match practice. Djourou comes in half time, takes over the leading role immediately and remains without conceding a goal. Constantin would love to hear it.
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Should the contract not be concluded in Valais, the world would not end for the cool Djourou. “Then we’ll take a look,” he says, “I’m totally calm and take it easy.”
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