Tahirys Dos Santos returns for Metz 100 days after Crans-Montana fire, close to first pro deal | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, Metz defender Tahirys Dos Santos, 19, returned to action 100 days after being badly burned in the 1 January Crans-Montana fire, which left 41 dead and 115 injured. He played 27 minutes for the National 3 reserves in a 2-1 win over Balagne last Saturday and is close to signing his first professional contract.

Former president Carlo Molinari, 93, praised his bravery, recalling he went back through the flames to reach his partner, and said he deserves respect and full encouragement.

Coach Abasse Ba admired the comeback but was not surprised. Academy director Francis De Taddeo hailed his resilience and quick learning, and credited fitness coach Bertrand Barbier for a key role.

Ba said he lifts team-mates with his work-rate and was so driven to play again that staff had to rein him in.

He is set to feature longer against Charleville Prix OAM on Saturday at 18:00. Staff rate his game intelligence and adaptability.

A late-season Ligue 1 cameo on 9 May against Lorient at Saint-Symphorien was floated as a reward, but president Bernard Serin called it premature. He stressed the physical and psychological impact of the trauma and said returning so soon is already extraordinary.

Right-back Hugo Hare, 19, with QRM and also injured in the fire, remains in hospital. He says Dos Santos’s hunger for the game inspires him and he hopes to see him join the senior group next season.

Source: L'Équipe