Yann M’Vila joins Italian club Sanremese on three-year deal

Yann M’Vila has embarked on an unexpected new chapter, joining Italian fourth-tier club Sanremese after leaving Caen.

The 36-year-old former France international has signed a three-year contract with the ambitious Serie D side, ending his spell in French football.

Sanremese are chaired by 1998 World Cup winner Christian Karembeu, who owns a 37.5 percent stake in the club. The project and its stated ambitions persuaded M’Vila to continue his career away from Europe’s major leagues.

The experienced midfielder explained why he accepted the offer: “From my first discussions with the club, I felt the strong ambition and passion driving this project. I am here to bring my experience, commitment and desire to win, in order to achieve the goals we have set together.”

M’Vila arrives with a distinguished career behind him. After emerging through Rennes’ academy, he represented France internationally and played for clubs including West Bromwich Albion, Olympiacos, Saint-Etienne and Caen. He made 91 appearances for Saint-Etienne between 2018 and 2020, including Europa League matches.

His experience will now be central to Sanremese’s plans as they target progress from Serie D. For M’Vila, it is a fresh opportunity to lead by example, compete for promotion and make an impact in a new country.