Ivorian midfielder Jean Michaël Seri has provided an update on his recovery and decision to move to Saudi Arabia.
The 33-year-old, who has represented clubs including Nice, Bordeaux, Fulham, Hull City, and Galatasaray, shared insights into his injury, career decisions, and experiences in various leagues.
Injury recovery progressing well
Seri has been sidelined with an ankle injury but remains optimistic about his rehabilitation.
It’s much better, we’re in the final phase of recovery.
There’s improvement, things are progressing quite well.
I’m taking my time. The doctor told me to take it step by step,” he said.
The former Hull City player explained that cartilage removal was necessary to alleviate persistent pain.
I ran again three months after my injury, but things weren’t right.
I had to stop. Now, I’m in the second phase of recovery after the arthroscopy.
You have to let the cartilage heal properly, form new tissue, and then move on.
I’m being very careful to avoid setbacks.
Adapting to Saudi Arabian football
Since moving to Al-Orobah last summer, Seri has faced both challenges and opportunities.
سيري يسجل هدف جميل للعروبة 😱
🟢 الخلود 1 & 1 العروبة 🟡 pic.twitter.com/H711SwdnE1
— تركي (@Fieldleague1) September 15, 2024
His playing time was cut short by injury after just six matches and one goal, but he remains positive about the league’s future.
Some will say it’s a league where you only go for the money, but that’s false.
You have to be here to understand its reality. There are many quality players.
Seri believes Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in its football infrastructure, with the long-term goal of creating an elite league ahead of the country’s hosting of the 2034 World Cup.
It’s a good championship—fast, competitive, with excellent stadiums and pitches. The focus now is on younger, less experienced players.
Decision to leave Europe
The midfielder revealed that he had the option to return to France but chose Saudi Arabia instead.
I could have come back to France, but I didn’t want to.
I had concrete interest, but my wife and I decided against it. It was either that or Saudi Arabia.
Seri’s career has spanned multiple leagues, including a successful spell in Ligue 1 with Nice, which he remembers fondly. “I only have good memories.
People say my best season was at Nice, but I believe my most consistent year was with Hull City in 2023/24.
Playing 40 Championship matches, maintaining regularity without injuries—that was stronger for me.
Memorable teammates and Premier League experience
During his time at Nice, Seri played alongside stars such as Mario Balotelli, Wesley Sneijder, and Hatem Ben Arfa.
The most impressive player was Hatem Ben Arfa. He propelled us collectively to the top.
Balotelli also had the best season of his career with us.
Asked about Balotelli’s off-field antics, Seri recalled, “He played tricks on teammates—putting grass in their shoes, hiding their cleats. You never knew what to expect from him.”
Seri later moved to Fulham in the Premier League, a league he considers the toughest in the world. “If everyone says that, it’s because it’s true. The intensity, the stadiums, the level of competition—one mistake and you pay dearly. The last-placed team can beat the leaders. That’s what makes it unique.”
Reflections on Galatasaray and Future Plans
His time at Galatasaray was brief but impactful. “Aside from the earthquake, it was a great experience. The fans are passionate, and Istanbul is a beautiful city.”
Looking ahead, Seri has no interest in a coaching career after retirement. “Not at all. I want to spend time with my family. Coaching requires constant travel and analysis—it takes up too much time. I don’t want to put my family through that again.”
As for which team he follows, the former Barcelona admirer says he now watches football purely to learn. “I used to support Barcelona because of Xavi—he was my role model. But now, I just watch matches to learn, not to support any team.”
