Nantes’ Pedro Chirivella after avoiding relegation: “It’s a lot of emotion.” | OneFootball

FC Nantes have pulled off their great escape from Ligue 2. Les Canaris leapfrogged 16th-placed Auxerre on the final matchday by clinching their first league win since February 12. Ignatius Ganago’s goal was the difference against bottom boys Angers. Nantes midfielder Pedro Chirivella (26) was on the verge of tears when his teammates secured safety. “It’s a lot of emotion. When I was subbed off, I felt like time was not moving forward!“, said the former Liverpool man to Presse Océan.

The Spaniard had dedicated this all-important victory to the Nantes fans. “Despite the hard season we’ve had, they were there all along, even in the toughest times.” Chirivella’s contribution can not be understated. He was arguably Nantes’ best player in the first half. How Les Canaris have missed their central midfielder lately. Chirivella had announced two months ago that his season was over through injury, but he returned to give his side a helping hand, even if it meant playing through the time for only an hour or so. “You can’t imagine how hard it was not to be able to help the team for those last months. Fortunately, I took the decision to return.“

GFFN | Bastien Cheval