SAVANIER Teji

General
CLUB CAREER
He began his career in the youth academy at Montpellier HSC in France, and went on to play for French clubs Athletic Club Arles and Nimes Olympique before returning to Montpellier HSC in July 2019. "It was a dream since childhood to be able to play in this stadium [Montpellier HSC] with the jersey of my hometown club, the supporters, my family. It can only make me happy to come back here." (transfermarkt.co.uk, 23 May 2021; Instagram profile, 05 Jul 2021; apnews.com, 09 May 2019; ultimodiez.fr, 03 Apr 2020; midilibre.fr, 02 Jul 2021; france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr, 14 Jul 2019; theguardian.com, 21 Sep 2020; ligue1.com, 15 May 2019)

REPRESENTING FRANCE
Born in France, he was also eligible to represent Algeria due to his grandfather, but in 2021 he announced his intention to represent France at international level. "The French national team? It is a dream. I also have a grandfather who was born in Algeria. I have not stated on any occasion that I want to play for the Algerian national team. I take this opportunity to clarify things. It never crossed my mind, it was never questioned. I'm proud of what my grandfather is, proud of his story which is also that of my family and of the man that I am, I take this opportunity to tell him how much I admire him as a grandson. Finally and always to clarify things, If I had to wear a national selection jersey, it would be that of my country, France." (getfootballnewsfrance.com, 09 Mar 2021; Instagram profile, 25 Jun 2021; echoroukonline.com, 12 Mar 2021; archyde.com, 06 Jul 2021)