Senegalese defender Moussa Niakhaté, 28, is poised to join Olympique Lyonnais after two memorable years with Nottingham Forest. In a heartfelt farewell message, Niakhaté expressed deep gratitude to the Nottingham Forest community for their unwavering support and warm welcome.
In his letter, Niakhaté thanked everyone at Nottingham Forest for making him feel at home from the moment he arrived.
“Thank you for making me feel at home from day one. I always felt your love and support every time I stepped on the pitch, but the crazy thing is I felt it even more during my toughest moments, especially when I was injured.
It was the toughest time of my career, but everyone at Forest, from the staff to my teammates to the fans, gave me something to look forward to every day and I will never forget that.”
Niakhaté reflected on the significant moments he shared with his teammates and the supporters at City Ground, acknowledging both the challenging and joyous times.
“We experienced difficult times together, but also exceptional moments of joy,” he wrote, underscoring the strong bond he developed with the club and its supporters.
He extended his appreciation to everyone at the club, from the medical staff to the security team, highlighting the sense of community and solidarity that made his time at Nottingham Forest so special.
His words conveyed a deep sense of camaraderie and respect for his teammates, whom he referred to as “warriors and brothers.”
In his tribute, Niakhaté reserved special thanks for the club’s owners, Evangelos Marinakis and Socratis Miltos, acknowledging their trust and respect throughout his tenure.
“If I could change one thing about my history with you, I wouldn’t change a thing,” he wrote, emphasizing that Nottingham Forest has become much more than just a football club to him.
Niakhaté’s message was not only a testament to his personal experiences but also a reflection of the collective spirit and resilience that characterize Nottingham Forest.
His gratitude and fond memories underscore the impact the club and its community had on him, both professionally and personally.
As Niakhaté prepares to embark on a new chapter with Olympique Lyonnais, his farewell to Nottingham Forest stands as a poignant reminder of the profound connections forged through shared experiences and mutual support.
His departure marks the end of a significant era for him and the club, but the memories and bonds he leaves behind will continue to resonate.
Niakhaté’s journey at Nottingham Forest has been marked by growth, challenges, and triumphs, making his transition to Olympique Lyonnais a bittersweet yet promising move.
The Nottingham Forest community will undoubtedly miss his presence, but his legacy and the gratitude he expressed will remain a lasting testament to his time at the club.
In conclusion, Moussa Niakhaté’s heartfelt farewell to Nottingham Forest highlights the deep connections and lasting impact of his two years with the club.
As he moves on to new opportunities with Olympique Lyonnais, his message of gratitude and fond memories serves as a touching tribute to the club and its supporters.
