Le gardien de but de Nottingham Forest, Matz Sels, relate son départ « émouvant » de Strasbourg et avoue avoir versé quelques larmes.

Protests against the club’s new BlueCo owner have been commonplace at RC Strasbourg Alsace this season, however, Matz Sels’ (32) departure to Nottingham Forest on transfer deadline day in February instigated heightened revolt.

A “legend” of the club, in the words of Strasbourg president Marc Keller, the goalkeeper’s hasty departure was not well received at the Meinau. “All of our fears about the BlueCo project, confirmed in this transfer window,” read a banner, unfurled at the first home game following his departure.

It also left manager Patrick Vieira in a sticky situation. With no time to replace the outgoing shot-stopper, he has been forced to play the highly inexperienced Alaa Bellaarouch for the rest of the campaign. For the first time, Sels has spoken about his departure from Les Alsaciens.

“It wasn’t easy to leave on deadline day. It wasn’t planned. In the days that followed, I phoned people at the club that I was close to: the bursar (Matthie Riexinger), the goalkeeper coach (Stéphane Cassard) and Patrick Vieira. I can say, at that moment, I cried a bit. The departure was an emotional moment for me, it was very special,” the Belgium international told L’Équipe. “In any case, I hope I get the chance to go back to Strasbourg to say goodbye to the supporters,” he added, before citing the reasons for his decision to join Nottingham Forest.

“I had this chance to play in the Premier League and the people that know me understand that I have always been ambitious. I also felt, at the time, that I had given the maximum to RCSA and left them in a good situation. The club were 10th when I left,” said Sels.

His departure coincided with a considerable dip in form at Strasbourg, which for a moment, left them at threat of relegation. However, Vieira’s men have since secured their safety in Ligue 1 with two games remaining.