LOSC hosts Toulouse FC this Sunday at 3 PM for the 4th round of Ligue 1. Sitting third in the league after a strong start to the season, Lille aims to confirm its form against a tough opponent, currently 7th in the standings. Two days before the match, Hamza Igamane spoke at a press conference, sharing his impressions on arriving in France and integrating into Bruno Genesio’s squad.
I have no adaptation issues
The summer signing from Rangers, the Moroccan international, made a point of thanking LOSC for the trust placed in him:
“I would like to thank the club for the trust it has shown me, and the president. I came here for the project. In Morocco, I played for a big club that helped me become a professional. I have no adaptation issues; I managed it in Scotland, in a country and football very different from Morocco. Here, I have no worries about adapting.”
Grateful to Philippe Clément
Hamza Igamane also spoke about his time in Scotland and the role of his former coach, Philippe Clément:
“With the help of coach Philippe Clément, I made a lot of progress. I was able to give my best at Rangers. The wait was long, but I had confidence in my abilities and in LOSC’s to reach an agreement with Glasgow. I am mentally strong; there was no problem.”
Admirer of Giroud
The Moroccan forward also expressed his admiration for Olivier Giroud, who recently joined LOSC:
“Olivier Giroud is a player I’ve watched since I was young, back when he played at Arsenal. Everyone knows him; he has played at the highest level, and I’m going to learn a lot alongside him. I hope that together we can contribute greatly to this club.”
From the streets to professionalism
Finally, Hamza Igamane recounted his early days in Morocco and his unconventional journey:
“In my childhood, I played in the streets in Morocco, in my neighborhood, sometimes barefoot on the stones. There is a lot of talent in the streets, and not everyone has had my chance. I am an example for them. We all dreamed of joining a big club one day, and that’s what I am doing today. You just have to look in the streets; there are good players there.”
Lille aims to confirm its form
Against Toulouse, Lille will aim to solidify its place on the podium and confirm its strong start to the season. For Igamane, this match could be an opportunity to make his debut in front of the Lille fans and begin a new chapter of his career in Ligue 1.