Steve Mounié, the Beninese international currently representing Stade Brestois, has expressed his aspiration to compete in the European Champions League, following his team’s thrilling victory over Rennes in Ligue 1.
Scoring a crucial goal in Brest’s 5-4 triumph on Sunday, Mounié highlighted the significance of European competition for him and his team, emphasizing the importance of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League.
“For the first three seasons, I played to avoid relegation, so the prospect of playing in a European Cup is a milestone in my career because I’ve never experienced it before,” Mounié disclosed to L’Equipe.
However, amidst his aspirations for Champions League football, Mounié’s future at Brest remains uncertain.
His current contract, set to expire on June 30, 2024, has prompted discussions regarding a potential extension.
While the club has offered him a two-year renewal, Mounié admitted, “Honestly, I still haven’t made my decision,” adding to the suspense surrounding his tenure at Brest.
With interest reportedly brewing from Bundesliga clubs, as suggested by his national team coach Gernot Rohr, Mounié’s future could lie elsewhere beyond France.
Rohr praised Mounié’s qualities, stating, “I think he can play in Germany… We need this kind of player everywhere in the world. There would be a place for him.”
As the race for Champions League qualification intensifies in Ligue 1, Brest, currently third in the standings, aim to secure a spot among Europe’s elite.
With Monaco and Lille posing as direct rivals, Mounié remains optimistic about his team’s chances, acknowledging the challenges ahead while maintaining confidence in Brest’s ability to maintain their position.
“We will try to stay third, but Lille is also strong and does not lose points,” Mounié remarked, underlining the competitive spirit within the squad as they approach the final stretch of the season.
As the campaign draws to a close, Mounié’s contributions on and off the pitch continue to shape Brest’s aspirations, with Champions League qualification standing as a beacon of success for the club and its ambitious striker.
