As reported by L’Équipe, former Newcastle United and Hull City man, Hatem Ben Arfa remained laser focused as a free agent during the first part of the season on returning to Ligue 1 before joining Lille last month.
At the end of June, Ben Arfa cut his holiday in Tunisia short to return to training and get fit and find a new club. From his apartment in Paris, the former France international worked with a nutritionist and his physical trainer, training several hours a day, five days a week.
He refused to take time off, save for one short trip to Burgundy, to stay focused on his training and even avoided watching too many Ligue 1 games to stay free of frustration over not finding a new club. Ball work came via Paris pick up games with friends – quite the after work 5-a-side ringer.
Hearing of Marseille’s interest, Ben Arfa spoke to Jorge Sampaoli, who had tried to sign him while Sevilla coach, via video call. Despite a constructive meeting between the parties, Marseille however didn’t take things further after the meeting was leaked. Red Star Paris, of the third division, and fourth tier Versailles both made ambitious approaches for the now 34-year-old but his focus remained on Ligue 1. Turkish clubs were also rejected.
Finally, Lille president Olivier Létang contacted Ben Arfa early last month, looking to sign him for a third time for a third different club after Létang facilitated HBA’s move to PSG in 2018 and Rennes two years later.
The fitness work played off for the player as Jocelyn Gourvennec commented on his excellent condition upon his signing and was able to put the forward straight into the squad despite several months without a competitive game after leaving Bordeaux.
After his Lille debut last week, Ben Arfa added to his collection of games for an impressive list of Ligue 1 clubs: Lille, Bordeaux, Rennes, PSG, Nice, Marseille and Lyon. However, with his 35th Birthday just a month away, will this be his last Ligue 1 contract?