First Africa Cup of Nations on the cards for Mika Seri. Following a strong first season in Red and Black, the midfielder has been selected by the Ivorian national side, thrown onto the trail of tracing his roots. The Ivorian is torn between the desire to make history for his country and the regret he has leaving his “family” in Red and Black.

“As a professional and a player at the top level, we have certain obligations to fulfil. The Africa Cup of Nations is one of them. It is the first tournament I will be involved with, I can’t say no to my national team.” Before the end of the first half of the season, the number six’s words sum up politely his situation. Not without frustration to begin with though. “Until now,  I am in good moment and I will continue to be that way. I think a lot about both my club and my country, but the club comes first, because it is only by playing well with the club that you can be called up for the national team. So to leave my teammates is really difficult for me.”

« Nice, it's also a family »

The trajectory of the former Paços de Ferreira man with the Elephants is largely thanks to his progress with the Red and Blacks. Called up but always on the bench before joining Le Gym, he has taken to Ligue 1 as quickly as he has done with his country, where he exports a bit of the Azuréen philosophy, with his audacity, his desire and his finesse. Starter for club and country since last season and his arrival in France, the current best passer of L1 (8 assists and two goals this season) has made himself at home in a very competitive group.  He has equally won the confidence on his manager Michel Dussuyer, who has made him part of the vertebrae of his team and current African Champions. 

A title that the Elephants will aim to defend in the first instance in their group made up of Morocco, Togo and Congo (Ivory Coast -Togo, first match of Group C, takes place on 16 January). But he is not without a thought for those at the club. 

“Being there, I will watch the games in which I cannot play because Nice, it’s also a family for me.”

A family who, in the same way, will be keeping an eye out on his performances at the Africa Cup of Nations…

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