On winter deadline day, AFC Bournemouth completed the signing of Eli Junior Kroupi from FC Lorient and immediately sent him back on loan.
The striker was firm that he wanted to finish this season at Lorient to help them return to the Ligue 1. At the weekend, Lorient secured a 5-1 win over FC Martigues and with that they secured promotion and won Ligue 2.
The Bournemouth man played a key role, managing 22 goals and three assists from 30 Ligue 2 games.
After winning the second division and securing the promotion, Ouest-France had a chat with the 18-year-old. Last weekend, the Cherries owned player was seen saying goodbye to the French club’s supporters.
He said: “Saying goodbye always hurts, especially with a club that gave me everything. I had a lot of trouble managing my emotions.”
As things stand, the France U19 international will arrive at the Premier League club in the summer. The newspaper, however, asked him whether he would like to extend his loan spell at Lorient for another season.
Responding to that, Eli Junior Kroupi explained: “I wanted to end on a very high note. I’ve given everything for the club since I was a kid. I leave with a light heart.
“I hope the club is proud of me, and I thank them. I will remember the club’s enthusiasm, the supporters, and the coaches who have been close to me since I was a kid. Today, promotion to Ligue 1 is where the club needs to be.”
When pressed further if he’s ended his time at Lorient, he added: “Yes, I think so…”
On Sunday, the Bournemouth striker was awarded the Best Ligue 2 player award. He expressed his delight and Ouest-France covered his comments.
“I would like to thank all my coaches since I started playing football. I’m proud to have been promoted with my club. We finished as champions, without you I would never have managed to win this title. I gave everything for this club, I’m ending on a very good note, I don’t think I can do better,” he said.
