Hatem Ben Arfa doesn't often speak out publicly, but when it came to answering the interview request for OGCNICE.COM, he didn't hesitate. On Friday, it was a very happy Hatem on the phone ahead of the match between his former and current employers. But he won't be able to enjoy the atmosphere first hand on Sunday; on the eve of the match, Paris coach Unai Emery left out the player that so impressed at the Allianz Riviera. The Nice public won't get the chance to salute their 'extra-terrestrial', a player that more than left his mark on the Côte d'Azur...

Hatem, do you realise just what an impact you had on the Nice fans?

The city, the club and the fans had a major impact on me too! We wrote a little history together and nothing will ever take that away. I felt really great in Nice. I only have great memories, it was a magnificent season.

What do you remember most of last season?

I remember the start of the season. In our minds, we were aiming for a Top 5 finish. Nobody else was predicting that. But slowly, with all the matches, the wins, the football lesson we gave Saint-Etienne at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard (1-4) – the whole country saw Nice's football that night. And I remember all the incredible moments with the fans. Their support was also one of the reasons I played so well. I remember when we returned to Nice after a match, at one o'clock in the morning, with all those fans, the flares... or our departure for Marseille with the whole training centre, just full of fans cheering us on... it was incredible. We really had a great season, all together.

We imagine you've kept an eye on Nice's results this season... what have you thought of your former teammates?

They have continued on from last season and that makes me very happy. The club is working really well. Some players left the club, but very good players arrived and the same philosophy remained. A new coach arrived and he managed to continue the work, while bringing all his own experience and personal touch. All that is thanks to the Chairman, to Julien Fournier, the general manager, to the club's recruitment... The team still plays good football. You can see that it's becoming a part of the club's DNA. The new players all have that profile. For me, Cardinale is also a symbol. He was part of the success last season and he really drives this team forward.

Are you proud to have been a part of the start of this adventure?

Very proud! I remember a chat I had with the Chairman when I arrived at the club. He explained to me that the club was rebuilding; that the foundations were there, and that now they wanted to take the next step, both in the league and in Europe. And I replied: 'You'll see! We have what it takes. And we're going to enjoy this rebuilding process together." And that's what happened. This team has principles: play good football; enjoy it, and make the fans happy. And that's what I'm most proud of: having made the fans happy.

Do you have a message for anyone?

A word of warning for Cardi. Don't start doing one-twos with Dante in your own penalty box because we'll steal the ball. And another message for Seri: stop all these magic passes, because we're playing for the title as well. He is a fabulous footballer. His assists are the stuff of genius.

What does this match against Paris represent?
They are three very important points for us, for the title. More important for us than for you, because Nice are still in the hunt for the championship, but a little further back all the same. Paris have had very good results in the league in 2017 and we can't afford any mistakes between now and the end of the season. This is a huge match for us, but we also know that it will be very difficult.

A final message for the Nice fans?
Keep on 100% behind OGC Nice, just like you always have been. I am very proud of you and the club. I am so happy to see you where you are today and continuing to grow.

L.O.

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