Dos Santos signs first professional contract at Metz after Crans-Montana fire ordeal | OneFootball

Tahirys Dos Santos, 19, who suffered severe burns in the Crans-Montana bar fire on New Year’s Day, has signed a first professional one-year contract with Metz on Monday. According to Le Progres, the left-back sustained burns to 30% of his body after returning to find his partner at Le Constellation.

An academy product and captain of the reserves in National 3 at the start of the season, he had occasionally trained with the first team and was named in the squad for a Coupe de France tie at Biesheim on 20 December.

Around 10 days later he was at Le Constellation in Crans-Montana, where the fire broke out, resulting in 41 deaths and 115 injuries.

The Franco-Cape Verdean returned to Metz’s reserve side two weeks ago and started last Saturday.

He expressed happiness and pride at securing his first deal with the club that developed him. He called it the culmination of years of work, sacrifice and determination, adding that months in hospital had made him stronger and taught him not to give up. He also sent support to those still fighting and urged them not to lose hope.

Source: Le Progres