Club
Durmisi: ‘I really wanted to sign here’
New Nice recruit Riza Durmisi faced the press on Thursday afternoon. Alongside President Jean-Pierre Rivère and coach Patrick Vieira, Le Gym’s new left-back, who apologised for not being able to express himself in French yet, spoke about his transfer to the club and his ambitions.
Riza, why did you choose to sign for the OGC Nice?
My decision was motivated by the ambition of this club and the fact that I can play with many talented young players. I received several offers but the discussions I had with Patrick Vieira and Julien Fournier convinced me to sign here. I have a good feeling about the club and I have no doubt that this is the right team for me.
When did negotiations with Le Gym start?
The first discussions with OGC Nice date back to last summer. Since then, I spoke about Nice with Didier Digard, who played here, and whom I played with at the Real Betis in 2016-17. I really wanted to come but unfortunately it couldn't be done in the last mercato. Today I am here and I am very happy about it. I am ambitious and willing to give everything I have.
Riza, how are you feeling physically?
I haven't played for some time but as a professional footballer you always have to work hard. I lack physical condition due to the lack of competition but it will come back quickly. I arrived at the club early so I could work quickly. The goal is to be ready and available for the team as soon as possible.
You played for Lazio. What did you learn during your time in Italy?
I played about 20 games for Lazio. I am an attacking player and the Serie A taught me a lot about tactics and allowed me to perfect my positioning on the field. Lazio helped me and I enjoyed playing there and now I hope to bring to Nice what I learned in Italy.
You will also be playing with your Denmark national team teammate Kasper Dolberg...
It is always a pleasure to join a countryman. His presence here will help me integrate quickly and I will be able to teach him to speak French (laughs). The players have all welcomed me very well and I have been feeling really good since my arrival. There is a very good atmosphere within the squad and everyone is happy to be here. All this makes my settling in much easier. Now I can't wait to start playing in this shirt.
Denmark are qualified for the Euro next summer. Is that an aim of yours?
I am totally focused on Nice and I’m not thinking about the Euro. I want to play here, to be on the pitch and build a long-term career here.
What are your first impressions of Nice?
Nice is a very nice city and the weather will be like what I experienced in Italy and Spain.
Have you chosen a shirt number?
I will play in the No.27. The No.17 wasn’t available due to rather tragic circumstances – the No.17 was retired by the club in honour of Kevin Anin – so I chose this number.
What do you know about Ligue 1 Conforama?
It's a league I know well because a lot of Danish players have played here in the past. In particular, I talked to Lukas Lerager (Bordeaux from 2017 to 2019) who told me that there were many duels and that's what I like.
Vieira : 'a different profile to our other players'
During the presentation of Riza Durmisi on Thursday, coach Patrick Vieira spoke about his new player. The Nice coach said he was very happy that he would soon be able to count on an element whose qualities he likes: "Riza is the player we were looking for. We have been following him since his time at Real Betis, so we know his strong points very well: passing and speed. He will offer me additional options on the wing because he has a different profile from the players we already have in that position."
Vieira also detailed the training program of the new player: "Riza is currently working with a fitness trainer to improve his physical condition. He will be joining full training next week. The idea is that he is ready for January and, with this in mind, having him now is a real bonus for us and for him."