The Montreal Impact announced on Thursday that it has signed Ballou Jean-Yves Tabla, a 17-year-young winger with a bright future, to a Homegrown Player contract.
Here is how Tabla and first team head coach Mauro Biello reacted after the announcement.
Ballou Jean-Yves Tabla
On reaching his objective…
“Ever since I first signed with FC Montreal, this has been my objective. I had a good season with FC Montreal despite our highs and our lows. I’ve made it to the first team, but I still have a lot to prove. I’m really happy.”
On his first-team game against A.S. Roma…
“I loved playing with the first team against Roma. Next year, I’ve got a lot of work to do. And I’m ready to do what I did against Roma during a season.”
On the qualities that earned him a contract…
“I’m a normal person, upright and humble. Despite my age, these qualities showed them that I deserved a contract. But I have to prove that I deserve a spot, and I have to do it on the field.”
On the work he has to do in the next months…
“I want to work on my technical skills and bring more tidiness to my game. With the first team, you have to dribble efficiently and play the right passes at the right moments.”
On how he feels on this special day…
“I’m proud. I’ve wanted this since I joined the Academy. But this is only the beginning. There will be a bit of pressure, but that will come and go. I have to keep on working.”
Head coach Mauro Biello
“We’re really pleased to have Ballou under contract with the Montreal Impact. This is a young man with great talent. Everyone saw what he could do against Roma. His journey has been extraordinary. He was dominant with the USSDA U18s at age 16. In the USL, he slowly but surely established himself. He’ll keep on developing here.”
