Colin Dagba reflects on an 'extraordinary' season

Colin, was does it mean to you to be crowned French Ligue 1 champion?
"It's my first league title and it's exceptional. I savoured each and every moment. It's incredible to win the Trophée des Champions and Ligue 1 in my first professional season. I couldn't wait to celebrate it with the fans after watching the past celebrations on the television. It was extraordinary."

A year ago, did you imagine having a season like this one?
"To be honest... not at all. When I returned from my holidays last summer I didn't know if I'd be even training with the first team or not. Then I took part in preseason in Shenzhen and Singapore and that was great. The match against Monaco in the Trophée des Champions was also extraordinary. Then I played a few matches in Ligue 1 before injury kept me out until February. I came back strongly and started playing again off the bench, away to Manchester United for example and then a few games in the starting XI to end the season."

What's your relationship like with the coach?
"He has shown his confidence in me. I try and repay that in the matches and in training. I always give 100% and listen to everyone's advice. The coach likes my football and I have to keep working hard."

What does it mean to be sharing your position with internationals such as Dani Alves and Thomas Meunier?
"It helps me progress each and every day. I watch what they do at training, technically, what passes they try to play, the runs they make for the ball. I also listen a lot in matches, especially Dani because we played a lot together, with him in midfield and me on the right, or with me in central defence and him on the right. I listen to the positioning and the passes he wants. Playing with internationals is very inspiring and maybe one day I wil be a France international too..."