Gift Orban reveals why he left Olympique Lyonnais to join Hoffenheim

Super Eagles and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim striker, Gift Emmanuel Orban, has admitted he left French outfit, Olympique Lyonnais because he didn’t feel appreciated enough, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 22-year-old joined Lyon from Belgian side, KAA Gent, for a fee of €15m, during the winter transfer window of 2024, but his time in France was not pleasant.

Orban struggled for game time, and even when he was given an opportunity, he lacked confidence and wasn’t as clinical in front of goal. In 21 games for Lyon, Orban scored just five goals. He joined Hoffenheim in January for €10m, and has scored four goals in 12 games.

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Speaking about how he’s adapting to life in Germany, the Nigerian striker revealed why he struggled to stamp his foot during his time in France.

“I didn’t have many opportunities [at Lyon], and I also had very strong competitors. The coach preferred Alexandre Lacazette in my position, he is the captain of the team and a club legend. I wanted to play more, so I moved on. TSG trusts me, and that is important.

“I’m very straight. If I don’t like something, I’m talking to someone, but in return, you should also be honest with me. I can’t suffer if you talk badly behind someone’s back,” the ex-Stabæk forward said in an interview with Hoffenheim’s official website.

Although he speaks English and French, Orban admitted he’s struggling with communication as German is a hard language to learn.

“I would like to be able to have a say in the cabin and understand the football-related topics, but German is really a difficult language.

“Hoffenheim is a good club, but in a difficult situation. Many clubs contacted me in the winter, but here, those responsible treated me with respect and convinced me. I now want to score more goals and work hard to keep our class in the end,” Orban concluded.

Christian Ilzer’s side are currently five points above the relegation spot on the Bundesliga table. With six games left to play, Die Kraichgauer need all the points they can get.