Algerian national football team winger Youssef Belaïli, who transferred to French club Brest two days ago, stated that he moved to play for a European club to improve his performance during a press conference today. Belaïli, who reached an agreement to terminate his contract with Qatari club Al-Qatar in December, said, "I decided to come to Europe to improve my level. I am not afraid of pressure, as I have experienced it with the Algerian national team," praising the welcome he received from his new teammates.
Belaïli, who will turn thirty in March, clarified that the French league is a "physical competition," noting that he couldn't showcase his value during a brief period he spent at Angers (September 2017-2018). He added, "At Brest, I hope to play to score goals, and I will do my utmost for the team and the club's fans."
He played a significant role in helping his country win the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt in 2019, scoring two goals, and also won the Arab Cup with the "Desert Warriors" held late last year in Qatar, where he scored two goals, earned two penalties, and provided an assist.
Brest's sporting director, Grégory Lorenzi, remarked, "We know Youssef and all that he has done with the Algerian national team. He was one of our priorities for the position he occupies. We did not speak about him publicly and worked in complete secrecy to secure his services."
Brest currently occupies the thirteenth position in the French league.
