St Etienne left-back Franck Tabanou delighted to join Swansea City
19th June
New signing Franck Tabanou believes his move to Swansea City is the 'perfect match'.
The French left-back today sealed his move to the Liberty from Ligue 1 side St Etienne after agreeing a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
Tabanou, who made over 100 appearances for Toulouse before enjoying two successful seasons with St Etienne, will be reunited with Bafe Gomis and fellow summer signing Andre Ayew, whom he played against in the French top flight.
The 26-year-old will provide competition for the left-back position along with Wales international Neil Taylor.
And Tabanou revealed his heart was set on a move to the Swans following talks with Chairman Huw Jenkins and manager Garry Monk.
"Swansea is a very good Premier League club and I believe it's the right move forward for me at this stage of my career," said the former France Under-21 international. "I wanted to come to Swansea because I believe we are the perfect match.
"I was aware of Swansea's interest in me for a while, but unfortunately it didn't happen back in January. But I've been watching them closely ever since and I like the way they play the game; their whole philosophy on football.
"Once I spoke to the manager and the Chairman my mind was made up because I realised they really wanted me. Again, it all matched.
"I was particularly impressed with the manager because he knew everything about me. I was also touched by the fact that he said I was a top signing for Swansea."
Tabanou, who has made the successful switch from a winger to left-back, also hopes the move will help his senior international career take off after featuring regularly for his country at Under-20 and 21 levels.
"I am keen to show I am able to perform in the Premier League - the best league in the world," added Tabanou.
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