In a recent interview with The Ligue 1 Show, Lens forward Florian Sotoca opened up about his journey to the top of the game: a tale of resilience, setbacks, and triumphs.
In an exclusive interview with The Ligue 1 Show, Florian Sotoca, Lens' powerhouse forward, bared his soul about a journey marked by adversity, determination, and triumph to reach dizzying heights with Lens in the last two seasons.
Humble beginnings at Montpellier and Grenoble
Reflecting on his early years, Sotoca shared, "It was a bad injury, and it hit at a time when my career was on the up. It’s true that it was a real setback." At 24, Montpellier offered him a lifeline, but the stint with the 2012 Champions of France provided only a fleeting taste of top-tier football.
Grenoble, nestled in the lower leagues, became Sotoca's sanctuary for stability. Leaving behind Montpellier and Ligue 1 was no easy decision, but Sotoca expressed, "I had three fantastic years at Grenoble. It wasn’t an easy choice for me to leave Montpellier and Ligue 1, but I spoke at length with my agent and my family. We decided that it would be good for me to find a place I can feel valued." Sotoca transformed from 4th division obscurity to one of the best players in Ligue 2 during his triumphant three-year stint with Grenoble. Lens, impressed by his prowess, swiftly secured his signature.
Lens: A new Chapter of triumph
Recalling his arrival at Lens, Sotoca shared, "At 28, I made an immediate impact. Scoring the symbolic last goal in Ligue 2 in the covid-hit season, at the end of which Lens earned promotion, was special."
Coach Franck Haise, marveling at Sotoca's work ethic, remarked, "Most players get a rest, but Flo remains. His effort levels are exceptional; he is such a fighter!" Now a towering figure in the Lens attack, Sotoca's combative style makes him the focal point of Lens' attacking sequences. In his words, "I take pride in starting every game this term."
Florian Sotoca's journey from setback to Ligue 1 stardom is a narrative punctuated by quotes that resonate with determination. As Lens continues to thrive, Sotoca stands not just as a goal-scorer but as a symbol of resilience and hard work.
>>Lens boss Haise: 'Rise to the occasion'
