“It was a good time”, exclusive interview with former Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth midfielder Amine Linganzi

A familiar figure within the Football League, 31-year-old Amine Linganzi amassed a century of appearances in all competitions in English Football, including a couple in the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers.

I recently caught up with the former Congo international, as we discussed playing in the Premier League, his time with Gillingham and playing on the international stage.

To start at the beginning of Linganzi’s spell in England you have to go back to 2010 when the then 20-year-old signed for Blackburn Rovers from French giants AS Saint-Etienne. Linganzi explained how the move across the channel came about.

” I didn’t know much about England. My agent told me France is not for you so let’s move and it was as simple as that”.

In spite of failing to make a first-team breakthrough with Lancashire outfit Blackburn, Linganzi did make two appearances for Rovers in the top-flight one of which was against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Linganzi stated it was a good experience, but admitted that a recurring injury problem hampered his progress.

“It was a good experience for me particularly playing against Manchester United at Old Trafford but I didn’t really enjoy the spell too much as I was struggling to play because of a recurring hernia issue.”

After leaving Blackburn, Linganzi stayed in Lancashire with Accrington Stanley before moving to Gillingham. He explained the support he received from the club there, during what was a tragic time for him off the pitch.

“At Gills (Gillingham) I arrived with when my brother died and it was complicated mentally. I got good support from Martin Allen and the Chairman. I had many injuries there and my Wife wasn’t happy so I decided to part ways and make a return to France.”

After a short and frustrating stint back in France with Frejus Saint-Raphaël, Linganzi once again returned to England heading to Fratton Park to join Portsmouth. This would prove to be a successful season for Pompey who won the League Two title, Linganzi gave his thoughts about his spell on the South Coast and the friendships he made.

“I went back to France and it was a disaster due to a lack of playing time. Then one day God gave me a dream, (I was in a changing room with a blue shirt) so I knew it was Portsmouth and we won the League, which was my best achievement in my career. I also met important people while I was there in Ex Pompey players and fellow Christians Mick Mellows and Linvoy Primus.”

After his spell with Portsmouth Linganzi moved to Swindon, he reflects well on his spell in Wiltshire.

“At Swindon it was a good time because I scored some goals and played many games. Many people took care of me in the Town.”

Currently without a team, I asked Linganzi whether he’d consider making another return to England but he revealed that he’s “closed that chapter” of his career.

“I spent eight years in England and I feel more English than French! I closed that chapter because of my faith and my son who lives in France. I didn’t know my father so I know how important it is to have a father next to you.”

Finally, I asked Amine about his international career, and how special it was to represent Congo the birthplace of his parents internationally.

“To play for your country is an amazing feeling because you feel the support of millions of people. You feel like an ambassador of hope so it’s a real privilege.”

A true character who has spent the vast majority of his career in England, it was a real honour to interview Linganzi and ask him some questions about his career.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank him for his time and answers that have made this article possible.