All Whites midfielder Chris James spent more than six months without a club but is keen to continue his career in France after linking with CS Sedan Ardennes earlier this month.
After returning to New Zealand for the All Whites clash with South Africa in May, the 27-year-old joined the club, who play in Group A of the CFA, the fourth-tier of French football, on a one-year deal.
"I had contact with a French agent who discussed this potential opportunity with me a couple of months ago," James said.
"I joined the team for the start of their pre-season for two weeks and also went away to a training camp in the mountains of Gerardmer and I was able to integrate with the team really well.
"After that I played a friendly which we won 5-0 and I performed well and I signed officially soon after."
James – who scored in both legs of the All Whites intercontinental World Cup playoff loss to Mexico last year – saw CS Sedan as a perfect fit as the club work their way back to the top divisions of French football.
He had spent the past two years playing in Finland's top flight for Kuopion Palloseura but elected not to re-sign with them.
"The difficulty of playing in Finland was the lack of exposure and the season calendar, so this opportunity [in France] allowed me to get back in line with the European calendar which makes a big difference for the future."
James said his determination to find the right situation, one that balances his on-field ambitions with the right experience off the field, has now paid off.
"I had to be patient and believe the right opportunity would appear and trust my qualities as a player.
"I avoided re-signing with my former team in Finland in June, and other opportunities I had in Asia, as I believed I would find an opportunity in Europe and I'm glad it has worked out. I love being in a country that lives and breathes football.
CS Sedan's first league game is on August 16 against the second team of Ligue 1 club Lille and the 18-cap All White has clear intentions now his immediate playing future is secure.
"Obviously my targets this season are to play as many minutes as I can on the pitch and contribute in a big way within my role in the team. I want to give this club my best because they have provided this wonderful platform to perform.
