SAINT-ÉTIENNE: MAX-ALAIN GRADEL EXPRESSES FRUSTRATION, HINTS AT DEPARTURE
Max-Alain Gradel has openly criticized Saint-Étienne’s leadership, hinting strongly at a possible departure this summer. Speaking at an awards event where he was named co-best player of the season alongside goalkeeper Stéphane Ruffier, the Ivorian striker expressed dissatisfaction with the club’s lack of ambition.
“Since I’ve been here, we haven’t been really ambitious,” Gradel told L’Équipe. “Not to the point of wanting to win something or go higher because we keep selling our best players. You don’t have to be intelligent to understand that.”
The 15-goal scorer added that if the club continues on its current path, he will consider his future elsewhere, emphasizing his desire to thrive and enjoy his football — even if that means joining a club outside of European competitions.
“It’s frustrating to be in a club like Saint-Étienne without playing a leading role,” he added. “That’s what makes me doubt and think about something else often.”
With those strong statements, it appears increasingly likely that Gradel will seek a new challenge away from Les Verts next season.
