I’ve let myself go? Have you seen the Ligue 1 table
Starting a new job is a nerve-wracking experience at the best of times, so spare a thought for new St Étienne signing Joris Gnagnon, who was mistaken for a security guard on his first day at training.
The French centre-back reportedly turned up at the Geoffrey-Guichard Stadium 20kg overweight, leading a teammate to remark “he was very plump” after confusing him for a training ground doorman.
It’s not the first time a club has raised concerns over Gnagnon’s fitness – Sevilla sacked the defender in September after repeatedly criticising his physical condition.
The Frenchman is yet to make an appearance for the Ligue 1 strugglers, whose on-field travails have led to heated fan protests.
Angry fans invaded the pitch and damaged goalposts during a top-flight game against Angers in October, resulting in a temporary stadium closure, while bottle-throwing hooligans also halted a recent cup game against Jura Sud.
If St Étienne’s form doesn’t pick up soon, Gnagnon might find himself useful after all.
