Door open for Pancho

Nice defender Jacques Abardonado will be allowed to leave the club this summer.

The Frenchman, who begun his career with Marseille, has ambitions to play abroad but could also be tempted to remain with Les Aiglons for a further year after enjoying his time spent with the side.

"If I have the opportunity to move, Nice will not stop me," Abardonado told football365.fr.

"If I stay it will be my sixth season with OGC Nice and I want to see something else.

"If I do leave, I want to play abroad. I can't see myself wearing another French shirt.

"I have experienced so many good moments with Nice so I can't invest myself with another Ligue 1 club.

"I can't face Nice at Stade du Ray, in front of my fans who have always backed me."

Abardonado has revealed that Greek giants Olympiakos have expressed an interest in his services although he would prefer a move to the Spanish, Italian or English leagues.

"Strasbourg were interested in me. Two months ago their directors wanted me to move but I would only have moved there for Jean-Pierre Papin. We have known each other for eight years but now that he has gone, it's over," he added.

"An Olympiakos scout came to meet me but his French was very bad and he tried to explain his project to me.

"They are a big club who play in the Champions League and who are financially solid.

"He told me I would live in Giovanni's former house close to the beach. Despite our regular contact this option is on stand by.

"Olympiakos are nice but I prefer Spain, Italy or England. I have a couple of contacts and I have spoken to a couple of coaches."