Issiar Dia Returns to Ligue 1 with Gazélec Ajaccio: “I Wanted a Real Sporting Challenge”
Back in France after several years abroad, Issiar Dia has signed a one-year contract with Gazélec Ajaccio, a club newly promoted to Ligue 1. Once a standout winger at AS Nancy-Lorraine, where he regularly tormented top-flight defenders, the Senegalese international later explored more lucrative pastures with stints at Fenerbahçe in Turkey and in Qatar with Lekhwiya and Al Kharitiyath.
Now 28, Dia is ready to reignite his career in his home country. In an interview with Football365, the Sèvres-born midfielder explained the reasoning behind his return and why he chose GFC Ajaccio in particular.
“I had the opportunity to come back to France several times, even to big clubs,” said Dia. “But I chose to continue the adventure abroad. Now that my contract was ending, I wanted a new challenge. I didn’t want to come back and play one game out of five—I wanted real playing time.”
That’s exactly what Ajaccio offered. According to Dia, it wasn’t about luxury or high-end facilities, but about passion, trust, and belief in his potential role at the club.
“They told me the structures weren’t top-level, but everything was done with heart. They promised to welcome me with open arms and to give everything for me. And it has to go both ways.”
With this move, Dia is hoping not just for a return to regular football, but to find new purpose in a league where he once made a name for himself. For GFC Ajaccio, acquiring a player of Dia’s experience and flair is a major boost as they prepare to battle for survival in their first-ever Ligue 1 season.
