A transfer deadline day move to a foreign country and two frustrating injuries, but glimpses of real quality on the ball, it’s been a whirlwind first season in England for Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, but he promises there’s more to come next time out.
Days after swapping Strasbourg in France for Wolverhampton, Bellegarde was thrown straight in from the start against Liverpool at Molineux, and impressed, before receiving a straight red card on his first Premier League away day at Luton Town – a real baptism of fire.
In between two frustrating injuries which disrupted his season, the Frenchman scored against Sheffield United and Brentford, and now he’s up to speed with the pace and quality of the Premier League, he’s looking forward to a more fruitful second season at Molineux next year.
On his first season at Wolves
“I’m very happy to be here. I had injuries this season – when I was playing in France, I didn’t have too many injuries, but this is football. I hope the next season I can play a lot of games, score and assist goals and have pleasure on the pitch.
“It’s not the same game [compared to France]. You have a lot of running. In England the football is fast, in France it’s more tactics, it’s not the same.”
On a whirlwind signing
“When I came to England it was the last day of the transfer window and it was fast. I changed my life – my life went to England and three days after I was playing against Liverpool, for me it was crazy.
“I played in France against Toulouse and Saturday I was playing Liverpool, but I liked it and I want to play more.”
On settling in England
“I’m happy to be here in England – for my life it’s been a good experience and I’ve liked it. I’m comfortable. It’s my first time in England, but it’s good – good people.
“For me, I think it’s food [the difference], the French food is the best in the world. It’s the same as France, the cities are good, but the football is unbelievable [in England]. Compared to France it’s very good, the games in England you can have more surprises compared to France and I like it.”
On a hunger to make up for lost time
“Next season will be better for me. I want to play, I want to score, I want success. I like the Premier League. All the people in the France watch the Premier League, the games are crazy, and it’s good for me.”
