Houssem Aouar and Evan N’Dicka have both said farewell to their former clubs ahead of making the move to Roma this summer. The duo are expected to join the Giallorossi as free agents as their respective contracts with Lyon and Eintracht Frankfurt are due to end on June 30.
Frankfurt have released a lengthy statement, bidding farewell to centre-back N’Dicka, confirming he is leaving the club:
Evan Ndicka moved to Eintracht from AJ Auxerre in Ligue 2 in summer 2018 and already established himself as a first-team regular in his first season. The Frenchman made 36 appearances in all competitions in 2018/19, including nine in the UEFA Europa League. In total the defender can look back on 183 competitive games and 15,820 minutes of game time for the Eagles, during which he registered 12 goals and 10 assists.
Ndicka enjoyed the highlight of his career with the Europa League win in 2022, when he was on the pitch for 100 minutes of the final against Rangers (5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw). Last season he featured in 44 matches in all competitions, scoring twice and playing every minute of the team’s UEFA Champions League campaign.
Board member for sport Markus Krösche commented: “We would’ve liked to see Evan at Eintracht Frankfurt in the future, so it is a shame that he’s leaving us. At the same time, we would like to thank Evan for five years together, in which he’s performed regularly for us from the start at a young age. He’s played his part in Eintracht Frankfurt’s sporting success and positive development. We wish him all the best for the future.”
Meanwhile, Aouar took to Instagram to bid farewell to the club he has played for, for the last 14 years:
“This emblematic team has always made me dream, from my youngest age (…) 14 years of laughter, emotion, victories, learning, hard work but also some disappointments. It is time to turn the page and open a new chapter of my story”.
“This departure, I had imagined it differently and much earlier. It is a wish I had 3 years ago, in 2020. But the only wish of a player is not always enough to decide his future. However, one day, the truth will shed light on the ego wars that prevented any agreement from being concluded. My soul and my supporters need this transparency. One thing at a time, and everyone in their place,” he said in a not-so-thinly-veiled criticism of the club’s decision not to sell him. Lyon retained him even with big offers following his incredible performances during the Final 8 in Lisbon.
“For now, it is with a heavy heart that I bid you farewell. Never will I be able to thank you enough for all the love you have given me. I owe everything to this city which saw me grow, to this club and to our Gones”.
Aouar also thanked the president, the managers and the coaches he had during his time in Lyon. Aouar also thanked his teammates, without whom the adventure would have been very different.
He signs off by saying, “My greatest encounter was you… our supporters. The Lyonnais and their legendary fervour. Thank you for your burning passion, your unerring support and your unwavering love. I will always be behind you. Forever Lyonnais in body and heart… Sincerely, your Houssem”.
