Stade Rennais new boy Mbaye Niang admits he lost his ‘smile’ at Torino but insists his move back to France does not represent a step-down.
Niang was considered one of the brightest prospects in European football when Milan signed him in 2012, but the Senegalese forward failed to build on that promise.
“Things had become more complicated in Italy,” the 23-year-old told L’Equipe, reflecting on his indifferent spell with Toro.
Stade Rennais new boy Mbaye Niang admits he lost his ‘smile’ at Torino but insists his move back to France does not represent a step-down.
Niang was considered one of the brightest prospects in European football when Milan signed him in 2012, but the Senegalese forward failed to build on that promise.
“Things had become more complicated in Italy,” the 23-year-old told L’Equipe, reflecting on his indifferent spell with Toro.
“I left because I needed to get my smile and the joy of playing football back. When I was 16, I used to play for fun.
“I was carefree, but then people got to know me and it wasn’t like that anymore. When you have players like Mexes, Ambrosini, Robinho, Boateng and Abbiati in your team, it’s certainly easier to win when the going gets tough.
“I’m still happy to have made my mistakes in the past because they‘ve allowed me to grow up and become a father with the right head one day.
“I don’t agree with those who say Rennes are a step down. I’ve joined a club who have so much ambition.
“I had an idea to re-launch myself and I wanted to follow it through. I had some ups and downs at Torino, the season went well from November to March but then everything became more complicated.
“I played in Italy for so many years, I did what I had to do for big clubs like Milan. I made myself ready whenever I was called upon.”
Image credit staderennais.com