Laurent Abergel has completed a move to OGC Nice after being released by Lorient, the club confirmed on Thursday. The 33-year-old midfielder has signed a three-year contract with Nice, a surprising destination given the club’s recent struggles and Abergel’s long-standing association with Lorient.
Abergel had been captain of Lorient for several years and recently signed a contract extension with the club following their relegation to Ligue 2, a move intended to reassure supporters. However, a change in ownership at Lorient, with Black Knight taking a more active role, prompted Abergel to seek a new challenge. “Over the last year, I felt a change at the club,” Abergel explained. “I didn’t want to be a problem. There’s also a sporting aspect; I needed something else to perform.”
The move to Nice was also influenced by his existing relationship with manager Olivier Pantaloni, who previously coached Abergel at AC Ajaccio early in his career. Pantaloni highlighted Abergel’s leadership qualities and ability to elevate team performance. “I know what Laurent can bring to a group. I think he’s someone who knows how to lift all his teams,” Pantaloni stated. “It also allows me to have a link to the team.”
Abergel expressed his enthusiasm for the move, stating he felt he was reaching a new level in his career. He also acknowledged the rivalry between Nice and his hometown club, Marseille, and pledged to win over the Nice supporters. “I’m going to give my all to erase the image of the Marseillais,” he said, referencing former player Pancho Abardonado who also played for both clubs. He was greeted with a Nice supporter’s shirt upon his arrival, a gesture of welcome from the club’s ultras.
The midfielder insists he is not feeling the effects of age and believes he has improved mentally. Abergel’s first match back in Ligue 1 with Nice will be against his former club, Lorient, on August 22nd.
