Dante, 42, back fit and holding UEFA Pro as Lyon test awaits | OneFootball

Dante has returned to lead Nice’s defence as they face Lyon on Sunday at 20:45, in what he has already said will be his final season.

According to L'Équipe, the 42-year-old has obtained his UEFA Pro licence after a seven-year course, permitting him to coach across Europe.

Injuries to both knees left the Brazilian on only 369 minutes across five and a half months. He has now started two straight league games for the first time this season, adding that doubts surfaced but quitting is not in his nature.

He paused for two months to stop the trips to the treatment room, prioritising strength work, which he says was decisive. The lay-off deepened his frustration, because he likes to be there when things are not going well.

He still relishes the effort, the rondos and simple passing, and the rush on arriving at the stadium that still feels like the first time.

From this summer the question of his next step will arrive, perhaps at Nice, which he calls logical given he has been there since 2017 and there is mutual affection. He says timing and needs must align, and whether he begins with seniors, youth or a reserve side, he feels ready while accepting he still has things to learn. For now he aims to keep helping on the pitch.

Source: L'Équipe