Martel had «given his word» to Boukari

During the press conference held on Sunday evening to introduce Laszlo Bölöni, RC Lens’ new manager, Lens president Gervais Martel has also commented the departure of his winger, Razak Boukari, towards Stade Rennes.

A departure in accordance with the promise made by Boukari to the Togo international that he would let him go. “He is with us since four and a half year, he has been targeted by several clubs since a year and a half, maybe two years, he reminded according to La Voix du Nord. I had personally given him my word - and I am someone who honours his words – that if a concrete opportunity arrived for him in an interesting club, I would not prevent him to leave during the winter transfer market”.

Boukari, who was allowed to leave last summer, eventually waited a few more months before he left Pas-de-Calais. This Sunday, the player could bid farewell to his former team-mates and the RC Lens staff before joining Brittany.

The transfer fee received by Lens in this transaction will allow the artesian club to look at the future serenely. “The sale of Razak Boukari will allow us to manage an additional income, which is interesting”, Martel declared. In financial difficulties, RC Lens found an economical Good Samaritan in Stade Rennes. In sportive terms however, the club also lost dear in the deal.