Noa Boutin became the most recent recruit at Sutton after making the move from Premier League side AFC Bournemouth on a loan deal until January.
Fresh off another loan spell in the National League at Eastleigh last season, the Paris-born defender is set to embark on a further experience at tier five, and after taking part in his first training session, got his media duties underway on Friday afternoon.
This saw him have a tour of his new home as he posed for a host of photographs, before sitting down with Sutton United FCtv to discuss his journey so far.
“I’m buzzing to be here” he said. “I had a little conversation with the gaffer yesterday, so yeah, can’t wait to get started.”
“I wasn’t ready for the move to come about, I was at home, got a call from my agent, and yeah, so it happened really quickly.”
Born in Paris, France, Boutin made the brave decision to move to England during his teenage years when he departed AC Boulogne-Billancour, and moved to Dorset to join Bournemouth in 2020, who at the time, were entering a new era after the departure of long-term boss Eddie Howe following the Cherries’ relegation from the Premier League. He has since gained a host of experience out on loan, with spells at Poole Town, Weymouth and Gosport Borough as he made the south of England his home.
On what it was like growing up in France, Boutin said:
“Yeah, it was just…normal, to be fair. Growing up there, playing my football there as well. It’s a bit different compared to England, but I enjoyed it as well. It was a difficult decision to be fair. My first year was really hard, I couldn’t speak English, but after my first year I really started to enjoy it.”
“I’ve learned a lot [at Bournemouth]; intensity, quality on the ball, all the hard stuff. Whereas on loan I learned the dirty part of football, because it’s not just clean all the time. So, yes, that’s what I’ve learned.”
Crediting Bayern Munich wing-back Alphonso Davies as someone he looks up to, it is clear to see that Boutin is a determined defender who will look to get forward at every opportunity, and is an exciting addition to the ranks at Gander Green Lane.
“I’m really passionate on the pitch, quick, powerful, like to run a lot as well, hard worker. Otherwise, I just want to play as many games as possible and make sure we give everything for the fans.”
