Yannick Boli Reflects on Career Setbacks and Ambitions for a Return to the Top
After a turbulent period in his career, which saw him without a club until the summer of 2012, Yannick Boli has rediscovered his form in Ukraine, signing a two-year contract with Zorya Luhansk. The French striker, who had once caught the eye of top European clubs, including Real Madrid, is now focused on revitalizing his career at the age of 26.
Boli’s career took a significant turn when, after joining Paris Saint-Germain’s first team in August 2008, he was linked with a potential move to Real Madrid. Reflecting on the experience in an interview with 20 Minutes, Yannick admits that he never forgot the interest from the Spanish giants. “I’ve heard so many versions of what happened that I don’t know if it was the club that didn’t want it, if it was the president, or Alain Roche,” Boli explains. “In the heat of the moment, I said things that were beyond me. I’ve moved on, but it’s not every day that a big club like that comes knocking at your door.”
Despite the setback, Boli remains determined to revive his career. “I have a name, and all I have to do is perform, and it gets amplified. Thanks to what I’m doing now, I could still have a shot at playing for big foreign clubs,” he adds, optimistic about his future prospects.
Boli’s recent performances in Ukraine have been impressive, with the striker scoring his sixth goal of the season and providing an assist during Zorya Luhansk’s 3-1 victory over Dynamo Kyiv on the 15th matchday of the Ukrainian Premier League. With his career now back on track, Boli remains hopeful that his hard work and performances will lead to further opportunities at some of Europe’s top clubs.
