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Having only just picked up the title of World Champion, Hugo Lloris came to visit where it all started for him on Wednesday. After a trip to the Town Hall, where he was greeted by hundreds of Nice fans, the most capped goalkeeper in the French national side’s history (104 caps) returned to OGC Nice. An “obvious” return for the academy product.  

Playing his club football for Tottenham as well as with Les Bleus until Sunday evening in Moscow, Hugo Lloris hadn’t yet visited the Gym’s new training complex, which was inaugurated in October 2017. “Everything is modern, magnificent”, delighted the former Aiglon, who has seen the club of his heart “change dimension. It’s a fantastic tool for working. I hope it will allow the club to continue to grow and to experience success.”  

Passing through the area dedicated to the pros, the French keeper met with his successors - including his brother, Gautier, who celebrated his 23rd birthday on Wednesday.

The accolade of two World Champions  

Before a huge accolade from another World Champion, Patrick Vieira, whom he played alongside with the national side in 2008 and 2009, and to whom he paid a vibrant hommage at the start of the afternoon.

Grande Hugo #Lloris #UnoDiNoi pic.twitter.com/F9lQEfiiP0

— OGC Nice (@ogcnice) 18 juillet 2018

“I don’t forget where I come from” 

Hugo Lloris then went upstairs, where the employees of the club were waiting. After greeting them one by one, kissing the longer serving of the members of the staff, the keeper offered the shirt he had worn during his last outing in Nice (during the France - Italie match at the Allianz Riviera, on 1 June). A gift accompanied with “all of his recognition of OGC Nice. I don’t forget where I come from. That’s where my strength comes from.”

Now it’s time for a rest for the Nice born keeper, who finished his day with a thought for those pichouns in the Academy, giving them this piece of advice: “Humility and work will always drive you forward.” Promise, it works.

F.H.

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