St Etienne defender Wesley Fofana has launched an extraordinary explanation why he's pushing to join Leicester City.
Leicester City are in contact with ASSE about a deal for the young stopper - an approach Fofana is desperate to take advantage of. The centre-half has made it clear - publicly - he wishes to be sold to the Foxes this summer.
And he admits the situation, with St Etienne fighting hard to keep hold of him, is spilling into his family's day-to-day life and creating problems.
Fofana revealed to L'Equipe via Le 10 Sport on Friday: "To be called a 'mercenary', 'traitor', hurt me.
"But that the Stéphanois come to insult my mother and my little sister, that affects me a lot. I am disgusted. Some have even gone further. My little sister was taken to task in her high school. They insulted her, they pushed her.
"She does not know football and she suffered that. It is unacceptable. I saw her cry ... I spoke with her, then I took her to high school. She was the victim of idiots and their behavior really weighed on my decision making.
"Where I come from, the northern districts of Marseille and a not-so-well-off family, that's not possible. I'd be crazy to say no to Leicester. This contract can change my life. I have to protect my family by keeping them safe. The sporting and financial aspects being combined, I have to say yes."
Despite Leicester's attempts, St Etienne coach Claude Puel played Fofana for this weekend's victory over Strasbourg. ASSE won 2-0 with Fofana lining up at centre-half and playing the full 90.
Fofana has spent his entire career with St Etienne and signed a new contract only in April to 2024. Last season, he managed 24 appearances, scoring twice.
- updated September 14
