“What do you do if you score with Rapid?” » The eccentric Papeau returns to Giulesti and knows what awaits him: “Hostile reception?”
Article by Carmen Dumitru – Published Sunday, October 26, 2025, 11:14 / Updated Sunday, October 26, 2025 11:15
Jayson Papeau (29 years old), the player from Slobozia Union, discussed in an interview given to Gazeta Sporturilor about his return to Romania, Rapid fans and the direct match against Giulești.
- Rapid – Unirea Slobozia takes place on Monday, October 27, from 19:30.
Jayson Papeau explained the reasons why he signed with Ialomi and the differences between Rapid and Unirea Slobozia. Upon returning to the domestic championship, Papeau had a monumental miss against the Craiova University, score 1-3, in a match in stage #13 of the Superliga.
Jayson Papeau: “There is not the same pressure at Unirea Slobozia because Rapid is a bigger club, but we also have goals”
– Hi, Jayson. After your time at Rapid, what made you choose Unirea Slobozia now?
– As I said, The union has a good project. I had a few options, but Unirea was the first to show me a real interest. Coach talked to me and I appreciated our conversation. That's why I made this choice.
Jayson Papeau, Unirii Slobozia player / Photo: sportpictures
– You started perfectly, you scored on your debut against Craiova. How did you experience that moment and how important was it to make a strong first impression?
– Perfect start? No, because we didn't win and that's the most important thing. About the goal, of course I was happy, happy that I scored, happy that I helped the team. It's important to show why you came here, the first impression always counts.
– You have known Romanian football before, but in a different context, with a team with high pressure and big goals. How do you see the difference between Rapid and Unirea Slobozia?
– I'm still new here. Of course, it's not the same pressure because Rapid is a bigger club, but we also have goals. Sometimes too much pressure is not good for players.
– You are the type of player who likes spectacular football, with risks, with dribbling. Do you feel that Andrei Prepelita gives you the freedom to express your style?
– For me, this is football. Skills, dribbling, risk taking. People come to the stadium to enjoy, to smile. I am that type of player and I hope I can use that as a strength to help the coach and the team.
– What did you discover at Unirea Slobozia, in the club or in the locker room, what pleasantly surprised you? How do you like the city?
– A team like a family. A good group with good guys, good staff. Nothing surprised me, but I like being in such a group. The city is not the best because there is not much to do, but I am here to play football.
– How do you think the level of the Super League now, compared to the time when you played for Rapid? Have you noticed any changes?
– I only played one match, I can't compare with the time at Rapid, it's too early.
– What did you personally propose this season, to help the team win as many matches as possible or maybe to attack a place in the play-offs?
– I want to help the team win as many matches as possible. I always say the same thing: we have to take it game by game and then we'll see.
– You will return to Giulesti, this time as an opponent. How do you see the match with Rapid? What do you think can make the difference in this match, Unirii's team spirit or Rapid's experience in high stakes matches?
– It will be a tough match. Rapid is on the first place in the ranking (next to Botoșani). We have to fight like we did with Craiova, with the same spirit, and we have to score when we have the chance.
Papeau, about Rapid fans: “I still have a good relationship with them”
Jayson Papeau, in front of the Rapid gallery / photo: Cristi Preda (GSP)
– We know how passionate Rapid fans are. Are you expecting a warm or rather hostile reception?
– Hostile reception? I don't think so, because I still have a good relationship with them. And warm welcome? I don't know, we'll see. They need to support Rapid, not me! 😂
– If you score again, how will you react? Will you celebrate or show respect for the fans who loved you in the past?
– You will see when I score, it will be a surprise!
He played the most matches for Giulești, 66, in the championship and the Cup. Papeau has 7 goals and 7 assists for Rapid, the club where he was registered from 2022 to 2024.
600,000 eurosit's Jayson Papeau's quota, according to the specialized website Transfermarkt
The Frenchman played for Chambly Oise, Amiens, Warta Poznan, Sainte-Genevieve, Rapid and Al-Markhiya throughout his career.
