A breath of fresh air: Teji said no to Milan and OL so he could live in his home town and be with his family
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 17.11.23. | 13:21
Money doesn't buy happiness, says Montpellier's skipper
Montpellier midfielder Teji Savanier is not a typical footballer. Even though he's been a professional for over a decade, his career choices differ wildly from what an average footballer would do. For example, he chose to sign for a local club, rejecting an approach from European royalty. He spends his holidays camping close to where he was born. He didn't allow himself to be seduced by the big money and glamour that's often associated with successful athletes.
🗣️ Téji Savanier to @Rothensenflamme: « I could have joined AC Milan in 2019, but I would have been unhappy. Montpellier is my home, I still live in my neighbourhood. A lot of people around me were telling me to go to Milan, but if I went there I wouldn't have been happy, without… pic.twitter.com/UgWI3FxcLc
— Milan Posts (@MilanPosts) November 16, 2023
La Pallade's captain explained that he turned down an offer from AC Milan in July 2019. Still playing for second-tier Nîmes at that time, he chose to remain in his native region by returning to the Herault-based Montpellier, where he'd started his journey in football eight years earlier.
The 31-year-old midfielder has since become a fixture in Ligue 1 football for several seasons. Born in the city of Herault, Savanier is keen on staying "at home" and has often favoured the club where he has roots over other destinations.
Speaking for RMC, Savanier mentioned that four years ago, he turned down advances from major clubs home and abroad. But he's till living with his parents, kids and cousins in the place he grew up.
"There were offers from Lyon and Milan, but it was the year I signed with Montpellier. I prioritized my family over my career, and that's more important. I could have earned much more at Milan, but I would have been unhappy. In Montpellier, I am at home, and I still live in my old neighborhood."
A bit of an unconventional player off the field - he recently revealed that he always goes camping in the same place near his home during off-season vacations - Savanier sticks to his beliefs and values what is important to him.
"Many people around me told me to go to Milan, but if I went there, I wouldn't have been happy without my family. Everyone talked to me about money, but money doesn't buy happiness. I'm not complaining today because I'm not paid poorly at Montpellier - far from it. I'm very comfortable at home with my family, with my children. My son comes with me to training, and that's the best thing that could happen."
