After completing his first training session with Stade de Reims, Thierry Bifouma spoke with the media, sharing his thoughts on joining the French club. The Congolese striker expressed his happiness at returning to France and the sense of fulfillment that comes with signing for a Ligue 1 team after a period away.
“Yes, finally at Stade de Reims! I’m really happy to come and play here,” Bifouma said, according to the club’s official website. “Honestly, I thought France was over for me. It was funny when I realized, upon landing in Paris, that I was coming to sign for a club and not just to see my family. This signing fills a void because I started my career in France, and not having played in Ligue 1 was something missing from my career.”
Bifouma’s decision to join Reims was influenced in part by the experience of his compatriot and current teammate, **Prince Oniangué**. “Before I learned that Reims was interested, I first received feedback from Prince Oniangué, who said wonderful things about the club. He’s really happy here. There’s a good, healthy atmosphere, and I needed that,” the striker explained.
The player also highlighted personal motivations behind the move. While he enjoyed his time in Spain, Bifouma wanted to return closer to his family, who live near **Meaux**, a town not far from Paris. “While I still enjoy Spanish football, I needed a break and to get closer to my family. I’m aware that it’s not easy at the moment—it’s the case for a lot of people—but we still have games left. I like challenges and the pressure that comes with them. It’s in these moments, when we have to pull together, that you see people’s true faces,” he added.
Bifouma joins Reims at a crucial point in the season, with the club seeking to strengthen its attacking options. The 23-year-old forward, previously on loan at Granada and owned by **Espanyol Barcelona**, is expected to bring energy, technical skill, and a fresh attacking dimension to the team. Reims had been monitoring options to bolster their frontline after previous targets—such as Mevlut Erding, who moved to Guingamp, and Nolan Roux, who remained at Saint-Étienne—failed to materialize.
His arrival reflects the club’s broader strategy to combine youth, experience, and local connections to improve performance in Ligue 1. Bifouma, who spent much of his early career in France’s youth systems, now has the opportunity to prove himself at the top level of French football. His technical abilities, versatility in attack, and strong work ethic make him a valuable asset for the Reims squad.
Reims supporters are eager to see Bifouma integrate into the team’s dynamics and contribute to the club’s campaign. The striker himself is aware of the challenge ahead but welcomes it with determination. “I like challenges and the pressure that comes with them,” he reiterated. With his first training behind him and official registration completed, Bifouma is ready to embrace his new environment, reconnect with French football, and make an impact for **Stade de Reims** this season.
