Junior Mwanga has apologised to FC Nantes after a social media message appeared to signal his departure, with the midfielder completing a return to RC Strasbourg before the close of the transfer window.
The 21-year-old, who had been on loan at Nantes, became the centre of attention last weekend after posting an Instagram story that read: “Thank you to FC Nantes and best of luck for the future.”
The message, shared while the player was still officially part of the squad, fuelled speculation that a move was imminent and drew an immediate reaction from within the club.
Nantes head coach Ahmed Kantari distanced the club from the post, insisting responsibility lay solely with the player. “Everyone is responsible for their own words.
I think the club hasn’t issued any statement yet. So now, if the players decide to leave on their own, it’s none of my business,” he said, underlining the unease caused by the timing of the message.
As the winter transfer window reached its final hours on Monday, Nantes were completing the arrival of Abakar Sylla, while Mwanga travelled in the opposite direction.
The midfielder returned to Strasbourg, the club that owns his contract, bringing an end to his loan spell with the Canaries.
Shortly after the move was confirmed, Mwanga took to social media again, this time to clarify his position and offer an apology to those at Nantes.
“In recent days, my name has been associated with things that do not reflect who I am. I reacted emotionally and I acknowledge that I made a mistake,” he wrote. “I would like to apologize to FC Nantes, its players, and its supporters.
I wish you all the best for the rest of the season and sincerely hope to see this historic club stay up. See you soon on the pitch.”
The episode came at a sensitive moment for Nantes, who are enduring a difficult campaign. Sitting 16th in Ligue 1, the club is battling to move clear of the relegation zone amid a run of disappointing results.
The uncertainty surrounding Mwanga’s situation added to the sense of instability during a crucial phase of the season.
For Mwanga, the apology appears aimed at closing a brief but turbulent chapter. While his loan spell at Nantes ends amid controversy, his return to Strasbourg offers a chance to refocus on his football after a period dominated by speculation rather than performances on the pitch.
