French Football Weekly: What is your feeling after this season spent in Lens?
Mbala N'Zola: My season in Lens had started well even if necessarily, that's not how I wanted my adventure to end with this club. But I think that this experience in a large very popular French club taught me a lot, especially in terms of discipline, humility and ego management. I tried throughout my adventure in the North to pay even more attention to details, punctuality and discipline on and outside the field. After as I often say, there is no age to learn, so I think I learned a lot about all these points and I put things in place to be flawless on these points in the future.
“”I do not want anyone and I assume my share of responsibilities»»
FM: Do you think that is also why it didn't necessarily end well and that it tarnished your image with supporters?
MN: I think that after my suspension, there are several stories, not always proven, which came out in the media. Afterwards, I do not know the reasons for why I was no longer playing exactly with the RC Lens because I was told about behavioral problems, but without bringing myself too much details. So, I think that my lack of playing time and my gap of the group were sometimes attributable to me, but I also think that data that I did not master did not help me in my progressive reinstatement of the group. But I don't want anyone and I assume my share of responsibilities. The most important thing is now to focus on the present and to be impeccable.
FM: What are you going to keep from this experience in the North? Between the supporters, the big atmosphere of Bollaert, did you expect this type of season, when you decided to join the RC Lens?
MN: From the first moments, I really liked the club, the supporters, the stadium. Quickly, I imagined myself staying in Lens over time. But finish like that, frankly, I didn't expect it. As I said, I was really good in the club, I got on well with everyone, I got on well with the players, I was really myself. After as I said, I learned a lot. But yes, there are a little regrets to have finished like that, because I wanted to have a good season with Lens, help them reach Europe, and just like it. Because frankly, I really liked these few months there.
FM: You have finished with your adventure in Lens. Today what is your state of mind? What are you waiting for here?
MN: I don't have a revengeful spirit. But during the coming season, I just want to show people that the image that people have of me is not reality. Basically when you really know me, you see that everything that is said in fact is not me, it is not the same person. Today, I pass for a bad guy when it is quite the opposite. Inevitably it touches me a little, because it's not me. There, I just want to show people that you read is not reality. There, I have been training hard with a physical trainer for several weeks, I am mentally ready. I just want to be in a good project. I just want to love it, play football, have a big season, give pleasure to fans and people who will trust me and do what I like to do most in the world.
“”If there is a club in Ligue 1 wants me and the project is interesting, I would not say no»»
FM: What is the project, because you always belong to Fiorentina, is there a possibility that you stay in Italy, or do you want to leave and find a new environment?
MN: There are possibilities to stay in Italy, after there, I am in a phase where I am studying all the possibilities and I am looking for the best project for me. My priority is to stay in Europe, in the top five championships, we will say and play. I know I have years in front of me, and I know what I am capable of, and I know that I can do much better.
FM: Did you discover Ligue 1, stay in Ligue 1 do you think about it?
MN: After having tasted Ligue 1, frankly yes, it's a championship that interests me. If there is a club in Ligue 1 which wants me and that the project is interesting, frankly, I would not say no. Afterwards, I also have in mind England, Germany, Spain, Italy. There are also a lot of interest on the part of the Gulf and MLS countries, but for the moment the priority remains Europe.
FM: Today, there is a little contact, are there already clubs that have come to the news?
MN: Yes, a Gulf club has made a concrete offer. Afterwards, I am in discussion with several Italian clubs in Serie A, including a good club with whom the discussions are well advanced. I remain patient and study all opportunities to make the right choice. I also know that Spanish clubs have recently come to information for me, because my profile appeals to a lot. I think I can bring my qualities to a lot of teams so I continue to work hard while waiting for the right opportunity to happen.
