In a candid and emotional statement, AJ Auxerre’s forward Yaya Sanogo has opened up about the profound impact the collapse of his transfer to Middlesbrough had on his career. Now 27, Sanogo has revealed that he nearly retired from football after the failed move, blaming Middlesbrough for bringing his career to an unexpected halt.
### The Middlesbrough Saga
In what seemed like a pivotal moment for Sanogo, the French striker was set to make a fresh start with Middlesbrough. However, the transfer fell apart at the last minute, leaving Sanogo disillusioned and frustrated. “It was a deal that meant so much to me,” Sanogo shared in an interview. “I was looking forward to reviving my career, but when the deal collapsed, it felt like my entire career crumbled with it.”
For Sanogo, who has faced ups and downs throughout his football journey, this moment was particularly devastating. The missed opportunity led him to question his future in the sport. “I seriously considered hanging up my boots,” he admitted. “I lost the motivation to keep pushing.”
### Blaming Middlesbrough
Sanogo did not hold back in pointing fingers at Middlesbrough for their role in the transfer collapse. According to him, the club’s indecisiveness and last-minute withdrawal from the deal left him stranded at a crucial point in his career. “They brought my career to a halt,” Sanogo remarked. “At that time, I was 27 and at a stage where I needed stability and trust from a club, but Middlesbrough’s actions took that away from me.”
### AJ Auxerre’s Support and Revival
Despite his disappointment, Sanogo found a new home with AJ Auxerre, where he has since begun to rebuild his career. The French side, who have a rich footballing history, gave Sanogo the platform to prove his worth once again. Under the leadership of their head coach, Auxerre selected Sanogo as a key forward, recognizing his potential and giving him the chance to reignite his passion for the game.
“I am forever grateful to Auxerre for the faith they’ve shown in me. They helped me pick myself up when I was at my lowest point,” Sanogo reflected. His resurgence with Auxerre has allowed him to demonstrate his talent and determination on the field, and the club continues to benefit from his contributions.
### Moving Forward
While the collapse of his Middlesbrough move remains a painful chapter in his career, Sanogo has since found a renewed sense of purpose with AJ Auxerre. He now looks forward to leading the club and representing them at the highest level. The forward is focused on his future, and with the support of his teammates and coaches, he is determined to make up for lost time.
As Sanogo’s journey continues, his story serves as a reminder of the challenges professional athletes face both on and off the field. His perseverance and dedication, despite setbacks, highlight the resilience required to succeed in the world of football.
