Speaking exclusively to TNT Sports, Nice midfielder Jeremie Boga discussed his decision to join Chelsea at just 11 years old, and his love of Lionel Messi, Eden Hazard, and Hatem Ben Arfa. Boga also discusses what Nice can do to become a fixture in the top three in Ligue 1.
Editor’s note – This interview with Jeremie Boga was conducted by Martin Mosnier for Eurosport France and has been translated and adapted by TNT Sports UK. It is presented here in Q&A format. Questions will be in italics.
What drives an 11-year-old boy to leave Marseille and join Chelsea?
J.B.: There are several explanations. Didier Drogba was the first reason I went to Chelsea. He was a role model for all young Ivorians. His career inspired me and motivated me. Once I’d done the trials there, seen the facilities, their mentality and their plan for me, my whole family was won over, especially me. That’s why we decided to leave so early.
You only played 18 minutes in the Premier League with Chelsea. Looking back, do you still think you made the right choice?
J.B.: It’s a choice I’ve made with no regrets. In fact, it was the best choice for my young career. I’ve learnt a lot, played with some very good players and under some very good coaches. I won a lot of youth titles from the U17s to the U23s. It was a wonderful experience and I don’t regret it at all. At Chelsea, everything went really well. It’s a club that gives a lot of freedom to the players, especially in attack, that lets us be creative and lets us express ourselves.
Did the increase in loan spells (Rennes, Granada, Birmingham) slow down your arrival at the highest level?
J.B.: It wasn’t easy, I’ve already played in four different countries. But it was also necessary for my progress and my mental strength. I’ve grown and matured thanks to these experiences. If I had to advise a young player today, I’d say that it’s better to have a long-term project, and frankly, loans aren’t great.
You played alongside Nathan Aké, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Andreas Christensen at youth level. Do you have any regrets about their careers?
J.B.: No, I have no regrets, I’m happy for them. We had some very good years together with Chelsea’s youth teams. After that, everyone has their own path. Football is all about timing, it’s God who decides. For me, it just wasn’t the right time. They had their chance and they took it. So much the better.
Like Paul Pogba, would you like to return to Chelsea or the Premier League one day to finish the job?
J.B. You never close the door, but I’ve just arrived at Nice, I’ve signed a long contract and I’m focused on Nice. But you never know what might happen in the future.
Between Roberto De Zerbi saying that only Messi was better than you at one-on-one, and Francesco Farioli saying that you are one of the best players in the world in this area: is it easy to take on such praise?
J.B.: It’s not easy. But I have to take it on board. I know I’m good at dribbling. It’s something I’ve had in me since I was a kid. It’s getting harder and harder because the defenders know me, they know what I like to do, how I like to move and how I like to dribble.
Do you have any references or role models who have inspired you?
J.B.: I have my top three: Lionel Messi, Eden Hazard and Hatem Ben Arfa. If you go to my YouTube stories, you’ll see all three at the top of the page. It shows how much I follow them, how much I try to draw inspiration from them. For me, they’re the three best players in the world.
What separates you, for example, from Ben Arfa, another great dribbler who did rather well at Nice?
J.B.: Honestly, it’s in the final touch and finishing that I need to improve. Those players entertained the crowd, they made people go wild, but there were also a lot of goals and assists. That’s where I want to go.
For you, football is above all about getting the crowds up?
J.B.: That’s right. Football is still a game. When we were young, we didn’t worry too much about tactics. It was just about having fun with your friends and we mustn’t lose that childlike pleasure. Even if results are obviously very important, we mustn’t forget the fun side.
In a recent interview with L’Equipe, Eden Hazard said that football wasn’t a job but a game, and that training and recovery weren’t his thing. Would you agree with that definition?
J.B.: I totally agree with him. Not necessarily on what he says about training or recovery, but on the enjoyment aspect. These days, everyone is focused on stats and goals. That’s important, I agree, but you can’t lose sight of the enjoyment you get from playing for the fans and getting the crowd going. You have to treasure that.
Roberto De Zerbi is the embodiment of that kind of football. He is being touted by some of the biggest clubs. What role has he played in your career?
J.B.: We had a very good relationship, he often shouted at me because he wanted me to do more. He gave me freedom and revealed many facets of my game. He also helped me a lot tactically. I made a lot of progress with him and if I’m where I am today, it’s thanks to him. I’m not surprised by what’s happened to him today. As soon as he arrived in Italy, it was immediately clear that he was going to be a great coach. I recognise myself in his football, it’s similar to that of coach Farioli. For a player like me who likes to dribble, these systems are perfect.
How would you rate your first season at Nice under Farioli?
J.B.: I’d say I’ve had a good season, but I can do more. In terms of stats, I can improve, be even more present in matches and more effective. That’s something I’m working on.
The LFP helped you by awarding you the goal against Lorient…
J.B.: (laughs) After that, I think my shot was on target but, yes, I’d like to thank them.
How do you explain Nice’s difficulties in the second half of the season?
J.B.: We had a lot of injuries, we had the African Cup of Nations… That’s no excuse, but we had a bit of a slump. All teams do, but ours took a bit longer. But today, we’re still here. We’re 5th and we’re still on target.
How can Nice stabilise in the top three of Ligue 1 in the future?
J.B.: Honestly, I think we’ve got everything. We’ve got young talent, experienced players and a staff that’s behind us. It’s a stable, family-oriented club. We just need to be a bit more consistent, especially in the off-peak periods.
Khephren Thuram is one of the strong men in your team. Does he impress you?
J.B.: For me, he’s a modern midfielder. He has everything: he’s complete, he’s physical, he’s technical, he grabs the ball… He’s very good for us. I know his brother very well, so I’ve known him for a long time. But seeing him in real life is impressive. Sometimes he breaks through and you wonder how he does it.