Didier Deschamps, former FC Nantes player, couldn't help but feel disappointed by his former club's relegation to Ligue 2. In an interview with Ouest-France, he expressed his sadness and hope that the Canaris will bounce back soon. Meeting the Beaujoire stadium on Thursday against Côte d'Ivoire, in a friendly match, will be a "pleasure" for him. "What inspires me about Nantes' relegation? A lot of pain, sadness. Nantes is a great club that deserves to be in Ligue 1. Unfortunately, the season has spoken. I'm thinking of the new generation, the young ones, those who go to the stadium. It must be very tough for them as well as for the club's employees. I really hope they'll bounce back as soon as possible", Deschamps said. "I never forget where I come from. I've kept my Nantes friends. FC Nantes has been an essential step in my career. I'll always be grateful for what it's given me, both humanly and football-wise. On Thursday, I won't have a pang of heart. I'm a positive person. Returning to the Beaujoire, it's mainly a pleasure. I've already been there with the French team, but it remains a special stadium for me."