Why I'm choosing France

The interest in France started in a classroom. Sophomore year of high school I picked up French as my language, and the more I learned, the more the country pulled me in — the language, the culture, and eventually the football.

In June I traveled there for myself. The goal was simple: get in front of clubs and coaches, see the universities, and find out if the level was actually for me.

While I was out there I trained with a fifth-division club. On paper that sounds low. In reality the level was high — sharper, faster, more demanding than I expected. It was the kind of session where you find out very quickly what your standard actually is.

I came away knowing the level was something I could work toward and live inside of, not just visit.

Marseille has the football culture, the universities, and a long ladder of clubs to climb. That last part matters. It is not one club and one shot — it is a real pathway with real steps.

Summer 2026 is the move. Everything I do between now and then is preparation.