Tuesday 27 December 2016 09:01, UK
Franck Queudrue has admitted that he took a pay cut in order to return for a second spell at Lens.
Franck Queudrue has admitted that he took a pay cut in order to return for a second spell at Lens.
The 32-year-old defender snubbed an offer from Celtic last summer in favour of a move to his homeland.
Upon being released by Birmingham, the Frenchman was keen to bring to an end a nine-year stint on British shores.
Having begun his career on the books at Lens he jumped at the chance to return to his roots when offered the opportunity, accepting a salary cut in order to seal a deal.
"I always kept Lens in my heart," Queudrue told L'Equipe. "That is why I preferred to come back rather than go to Celtic.
"I came here to help, even though it was less money."
Queudrue has also lifted the lid on his time in England, which included spells at Middlesbrough, Fulham, Birmingham and Colchester.
He admits to initially being surprised by the pace of the Premier League, but insists the only time he had any problems was during a one-year spell at Craven Cottage.
"In England the match is a fight," he said.
"Even in training sessions you have to give your all or you will get injured. It is very intense.
"I only experienced trouble once during my time there, with Lawrie Sanchez at Fulham.
"He played old school football, kick and rush in the box so that we could fight for second balls. I told him 'I am no rugby player'."
