OGC Nice centre-back and France international Jean-Clair Todibo (23) has reflected in a wide-ranging interview with L’Equipe on reports linking him to a move to Manchester United this summer.
The Red Devils reportedly wanted to sign the former Barcelona centre-back in the event that Harry Maguire leaves Old Trafford. Eventually, Maguire stayed at Manchester United and Todibo did the same at Nice. The France international is adamant that the INEOS-owned outfit would not have let him go after recently extending his deal until 2027. “It’s very clear the club would not have sold me this summer.“
Todibo then opened up on what it meant for him to see himself linked with a move to one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs. “I have given it in-depth thought and I remained calm. I didn’t want to make the wrong choice“, Todibo said. “I expect to be presented with the full picture. What are you expecting from me? Why am I signing? You shouldn’t arrive at a club asking yourself this. I know what I have in Nice, so why leave? Everything must be clear.“
Todibo arrived from Barcelona to Nice two years ago in a €8m move. He quickly established himself as one of Ligue 1’s most reliable centre-backs. His form earned him a call-up to Didier Deschamps’ France last March. He was recalled this month with Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté pulling out of the France camp.
Todibo started alongside Arsenal’s William Saliba against Germany on Tuesday in Les Bleus’ 2-1 loss. Both Todibo and Saliba struggled against the Germans, but the Nice man is hoping to make amends for it in the near future. “It was an immense joy to wear the blue jersey for the first time, to sing the Marseillaise. I have always said that wearing the French team kit was the Holy Grail for me, so there was a lot of pride and emotion.”
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
