Zidane chooses Pablo Pagis: from depression to French debut

In the Nations League squad of Zinédine Zidane, the 23‑year‑old midfielder Pablo Pagis of Paris FC is in the French squad for the first time, a step he has achieved after a difficult youth at Lorient; see us more often on Google for more details.

Pablo Pagis is the son of Mickaël Pagis, a former striker who played, among others, for Olympique Marseille and Stade Rennes. Mickaël scored almost 150 goals in French professional football.

He began his career in the youth academy of Lorient, where he felt depressed and was close to quitting. The period was, according to him, not exactly a fun time.

In an interview with Eurosport, Pagis described how difficult those years were.

‘In the beginning it didn’t go well. In my second year I was basically constantly injured. And adapting when you’re not on the pitch is difficult. At one point I really wondered what I was doing there. I went to training, I fell asleep as soon as I got back to my room. I became isolated, alone, I lived completely in my own little world. It was really not fun.’

Conversation with his father

He had a serious conversation with his father, who asked if he really wanted to continue. Pagis indicated that he was driven and expressed his desire to become a professional footballer.

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The number of duels was 63. In those matches he was involved in 25 goals.

With Lorient, Pagis was promoted to Ligue 1. The promotion eventually brought the club fifteen million euros.

Since his move to Paris FC he has been the standout of the team. This season he delivered two goals and two assists in Ligue 1.

Nations League debut in sight

His performances earned him a place in the French squad for the Nations League. He could make his debut against Italy or Turkey. Mickaël Pagis expressed his pride: ‘I am very proud that he follows in my footsteps.’ Pagis dreams of a transfer to Barcelona, the club he is a fan of: ‘The Barça of Xavi, Iniesta, Messi and Busquets was football at its peak.’