Théo Falgon joins AS Excelsior after six-month plan becomes Réunion challenge | OneFootball

Théo Falgon has turned a planned short stay into a contract at AS Excelsior on Réunion, one of the island’s most ambitious clubs. The former US Blavozy player will combine part-time nursing with football.

As reported by Le Progres, he set out for a six-month spell to find work, discover a new culture and see friends Léo and Mathis, but a two-week trial earned him a deal.

He first trialled with Athletic Club du Python Saint-Leu, who wanted to keep him during pre-season. After reflection, he chose Excelsior instead.

After convincing friendlies he will play in R1, a tier between N3 and N2 in mainland terms.

Excelsior have a sizeable budget and several former professionals, including captain Fabien Boyer, formerly of FC Annecy and Grenoble Foot 38, Kévin Fortuné, once of RC Lens, and Ludovic Ajorque’s brother. Ajorque came through at Excelsior.

Falgon joins a 20-man squad, with another 20 U20s playing a Promo championship before each game.

The rhythm is demanding, five sessions a week, rest only on Friday, then a weekend match. Facilities include two full-time physios and a weights room.

He aims to progress under coach Éric Assati, a former professional who played for AJ Auxerre. He notes high ambitions and a very intense, more physical game, with less emphasis on tactics.

Nearly 9,000 kilometres from mainland France, his routine stretches from beach gym work to lagoon recovery. He sends greetings to friends in Haute-Loire and Blavozy and hopes they will visit.

Source: Le Progres