Boulaye Dia delighted with return to Ligue 1

Stade Rennais striker Boulaye Dia has expressed his happiness at returning to French football after five years abroad, highlighting the progress Ligue 1 has made during his time away.

The Senegal international discussed his return to France in an interview with Flashscore.

Dia, who previously played for Reims, Villarreal, Salernitana and Lazio, said he was pleased to return to the country where he grew up and rediscover a competition he had missed.

“I feel very good. I’m happy to return to the country where I grew up, and to a league that I had missed. When you leave for four or five years, you watch the league develop from afar and want to come back and see that evolution up close. The teams are better now,” Dia told Flashscore.

The 29-year-old has made an encouraging start to life at Rennes, contributing goals as the club competes in Ligue 1 and European football.

Dia’s return has also placed him in direct competition with fellow striker Esteban Lepaul, who enjoyed an impressive previous campaign. The Senegalese forward views the competition positively, believing it can help both players improve while strengthening Rennes’ attacking options.

Having experienced football in Spain, Italy and France, Dia brings valuable experience to the Rennes squad. His return comes as the club looks to maintain its strong start to the season and compete for domestic and European honours.