I was desperate to join Cardiff, admits Damour
LOIC Damour has admitted he was desperate to join Cardiff City this summer as soon as he heard about Neil Warnock’s interest.
And the Frenchman is loving life with the Bluebirds, insisting he’s learning everyday as he adapts to British football following his free transfer from Ligue 2 outfit BourgPeronnas.
Damour arrived at Cardiff in July as something of an unknown quantity having previously plied his trade in the French second tier.
But his energetic performances in midfield have certainly caught the eye in recent weeks. The 26-yearold was an effective second half substitute in the opening day 1-0 win at Burton Albion, before playing the full 90 minutes in Cardiff ’s impressive 3-0 victory against Aston Villa.
His lung-bursting runs from midfield have already drawn plaudits.
Speaking to French football magazine Onze Mondial, Damour revealed he was fully focused on a move to Cardiff and asked his agent to “rush” and push through a switch to South Wales after hearing of the Bluebirds’ interest.
“I knew where I wanted to go,” he said.
“I wanted Bourg-Peronnas to be just one step for me. That’s why I signed only two one-year contracts. I had the ambition to confront myself with something else to see what I had in my stomach.
“I still do not know what my limits are. I was aiming for a Ligue 1 club or a good project abroad.
“I then had the chance to sign for Cardiff. The project was fully in line with what I wanted at the beginning of the transfer window.
“My agent quickly told me about Cardiff’s interest and I immediately asked him to rush. My priority was to sign for this club.
“I let my representative work quietly and then after a few weeks of negotiations, formalisation came in early July.
“Everything was done very naturally.
“I really enjoyed the behaviour of the leaders of Cardiff, they were very professional.”
Despite his low profile, Damour has quickly adapted to life in the Championship, giving Warnock options in central midfield following the departure of club legend Peter Whittingham.
The Frenchman admits he’s still “discovering new things” but will continue learning alongside experienced Championship performers Aron Gunnarsson and Joe Ralls.
Damour scored a brace in preseason against Bodmin Town and was widely praised for his incredible work rate against Villa.
“Everything is going great,” he admitted.
“I was very well received. So far it’s a daily treat.
“Every day, I discover new things. It is very enriching: a new culture, a new football, a new language, a new way of life. I am very well settled with my family. Honestly, I am a fulfilled man. I’m savouring it on and off the field.
“I bite my teeth in this experience. I hope to be able to draw as many benefits as possible.”
Damour also lauded the impact of Warnock and his interaction with new players.
The 26-year-old is looking to glean as much as possible from the veteran manager.
He added: “Everything happens very, very well. It is a coach who exchanges a lot with the players. With the coach, the staff, my partners ... everything rolls! I was lucky to have some playing time during pre-season, then I played my first minutes in an official game.
“So, it’s all good. I’m really happy with my choice. My eyes are wide open.
“I continue to learn every day and to be as attentive as possible to limit my adaptation time and be as competitive as possible. I have to go on like this.”