According to SportMediaset, 31-year-old M'Baye Niang has joined Ligue 2 club Dunkerque, stating that the move is not a step backward in his career.

Niang was once considered one of the brightest young stars in French football. AC Milan signed him at a young age, beating out rivals, hoping he would be the successor to Zlatan Ibrahimović after the Swede's move to Paris Saint-Germain. Niang made 79 appearances for Milan, scoring 12 goals, but his career did not live up to initial expectations. Now at Dunkerque, he has reunited with former World Cup winner and ex-Roma player Steven Nzonzi.

Niang told L'Équipe, "I have no regrets. I have completed my journey, and everything I have achieved has helped me grow as both a player and a person." Although his career has included 16 clubs, he does not view joining a Ligue 2 team as a step backward. Besides Milan, Niang has played for clubs including Genoa, Torino, Empoli, and Sampdoria, with his only major trophy being the French Cup won with Rennes.

Regarding his move to Dunkerque, Niang said, "I asked myself if this would be an interesting option and if I could help the team. I started playing very early, and what I want most is a project that allows me to enjoy the game and pass on my experience to younger players. This is a very attractive challenge." After regaining match fitness in a friendly, Niang is ready for his official league debut in a Dunkerque shirt.

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