'We must not hide': Nice pay tribute to Beka Beka after emotional week
Suraj Radia
- 30 Sep 2023 10:41 CDT
- 3 min read
Nice manager Francesco Farioli paid tribute to Alexis Beka Beka and the emotional day that surrounded the club after the youngster threatened to commit suicide.
Beka Beka was rescued from the Magnan Viaduct in Nice after pulling his car over and sitting on the edge of the security barriers, reportedly following a personal issue between him and his partner.
Negotiations with the 22-year-old went on for more than three hours before he was eventually convinced by club psychologists and emergency service people to change his mind.
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Nice cancelled their media responsibilities during the tense situation but Farioli spoke candidly about the event ahead of his side’s top of the table clash on Sunday against league leaders Brest.
“It’s not a match eve like any other. The episode touched us all,” Farioli said. “The staff, the players, the supporters, everyone in football. He is safe and sound, he has been taken care of.
“I would like to highlight the work of our psychologist who took care of him over the last three months with great attention. The credit goes to him. We must not hide when we face these kinds of problems.”
Extra motivation for Nice ahead of big game
Beka Beka signed for Nice last summer for €14 million from Lokomotiv Moscow and the Frenchman made 14 Ligue 1 appearances during his debut season.
The midfielder has not featured so far this campaign and FootMercato have claimed he has been ‘followed by a psychologist’ for several weeks due to ‘relieve his thoughtful personality’.
Nice are second in Ligue 1, one point behind their opponents Brest in an intriguing affair, with Farioli admitting there was extra motivation for his side after a difficult week.
🇫🇷🗣️ Lens striker Elye Wahi: "I would like to spare a thought for my friend Alexis Beka Beka, who has just experienced a complicated situation. I thought about him alot before the match." ❤️ (Amazon Sport) pic.twitter.com/9gNFN8Py9S
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) September 29, 2023
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“The reaction from the team was magnificent, everyone made themselves available. Some even wanted to go there if necessary. It was a huge relief for everyone, it will give us strength,” Farioli said.
“Footballers tend to think they are superstars, but they are humans like us. Great athletes have spoken about these difficulties, it should not be taboo. I ask that Alexis be respected, with care and love.”
