Announced on the Saudi Arabian side for months, Nabil Fekir (31 years old) has finally settled down on the Qatari side. The 2018 world champion has joined the Al-Jazira club. In the columns ofSports StadiumManu Fajardo, the sporting director of Betis, explained the departure of the former Olympique Lyonnais player. “We did not expect so many exits and movements, because there were operations that we did not know were going to be carried out, such as those of Nabil Fekir or Germán Pezzella, but these are situations in which the player transmits his message. I do not at all link Nabil’s departure to the match against Vitoria. If Betis had a chance to win, it is largely thanks to their good performance. At different times during the season there were movements with Fekir with the Emirates market and others and in the last hours after the match against Vitoria, Al-Jazeera moved. Football is a cycle. Regarding Nabil, his cycle at Betis, after five years, was over. An offer appreciated by all parties arrived and it was considered that it was beneficial for everyone and he ended up leaving and a great player like Lo Celso arrives.”
A departure that suited all parties. This is also what the player explained. Interviewed by the official Betis channel before flying to Qatar, he indicated: “I had my mind set on Betis. I thought I was going to play the whole season here, but an offer came, an opportunity. We talked to my family and the club too, and finally it happened (…) Yes, Betis helped (with his transfer, editor’s note). Betis has always helped me in everything. He has treated me well since I arrived and I can only say thank you. I will miss the club a lot, that’s for sure. The five years I lived at Betis will not be forgotten like that. Betis gave me much more than I gave them. I always wish them the best, that they stay at the top of the table, that more titles come and that the players give a lot of joy to the fans. I know that people love me a lot. They showed me their affection and I can only thank them and tell them that I gave everything here and that I leave proud (…) The best moment of my career was lifting the Cup and winning it at home, in our city.” A page is turning for Fekir and Betis.
