Lemoine talks about his transfer

Publié le 28 September 2011 à 10h59 Stade Rennais Online

In a long interview to Ouest-France last Sunday, Fabien Lemoine came back on the circumstances of his departure from Stade Rennes to Saint-Étienne.

According to the native of Fougères, a discussion with Frédéric Antonetti a few days before the trip in Georgia, triggered his departure. « He clearly told me that I was behind other players and that, at this the moment, he didn’t consider me as a potential candidate to start matches », remembers Lemoine. « Ok, no problem, this is the game, he adds. But he also told me that he wouldn’t give me the playing time I could expect. ».

Astonished since he « worked twice as hard during the pre-season », Lemoine then asked to his coach if he would authorize him to search another club. « He answered me: + Since I don’t plan to make you play, I don’t see why I should block you +. Therefore, it was clear... Even though he also told me that he would be disappointed to lose a player like me, since I am a hard worker, a good club player who never makes noise. He also told me that he appreciates me as a man ».

After having taken a « knock behind the head » by being not retained for the trip to Georgia, Lemoine then decided to leave. This departure was not wished at the beginning of the season. « I wanted to stay in Rennes, asserts Lemoine. But after the discussion with the coach, the situation became different. After that, I was a bit disappointed to hear from some people of Rennes that it was me who absolutely wanted to leave. But this is communication… ».
A probable reference to Pierre Dréossi’s words after the transfer was made official (read previously).