Former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Brice Samba has sent a heartfelt message following his first call-up to the French national side.
The Forest play-off hero has been included in Didier Dechamps’ squad for the European qualifiers against the Netherlands and Ireland later this month. His performances in Ligue 1 this season for Lens have led to the call-up.
The inclusion in the squad comes around 10 months after he played a massive part in Forest’s return to the Premier League via the play-offs last season. The goalkeeper the hero in the penalty shootout with Sheffield United in the semi-final before keeping a Wembley clean-sheet in the 1-0 win over Huddersfield.
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He however didn’t get to play in the Premier League with the club, with Samba leaving for Lens that same summer. Forest instead moved to sign Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson on loan, before completing the January signing of Keylor Navas.
Samba has thrived in Ligue 1, leading to his call-up to the French squad where he will vie with West Ham’s Alphonse Areola, and AC Milan’s Mike Maignan for the number one jersey for the two qualifying games.
Following the news of his call-up, Samba took to social media to give his reaction, in which he thanked his former clubs and their supporters.
“So proud to have been called to join the @equipedefrance I really want to thank all the people who have believed in me for these years, and helped me to partially achieve my dream today,” he wrote on his Twitter account.
“In Lens and in my previous clubs, coaches, staff, teammates, family and friends, but also all of you supporters. Thank you for giving me the strength to get this far. Glory and honor to my God Jesus Christ of Nazareth. One more step.”
He then added: “Thank you everyone it's amazing all these messages. What a day.”
A lot of those messages were from Forest fans, who took to social media to send their congratulations to their former goalkeeper. Here’s what just some said...
George NFFC : God I love this man so much #NFFC
From helping us to premier league to a first French national team call up.
PB : What a lad. Hero #nffc
Sarah Thompson : Thoroughly deserved Brice. Feeling very proud!
Bethany : Buzzing for you pal!!! You are a gem of a player and I hope you get your chance to show the world how great you are.
Joe Jackson : Congratulations Brice!! Well deserved, you’re a top keeper and a great man. We miss you in Nottingham! Allez Brice.
What do you think of Samba's call-up to the France squad? Tell us in the comments section
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