Saint Etienne attacker Denis Bouanga admits losing Wesley Fofana to Leicester City has been a big blow.
Fofana controversially forced through the move over the summer.
Bouanga told Onze Mundial: "I was disappointed, because we talked to each other a lot. We often exchanged together. We were the two players who had a fairly high market value. As in all mercatos, we knew that clubs were going to take an interest in us.
"I was very busy at the start of the transfer window, it was then quieter. And him, it accelerated at the end of the transfer window. The fact that he left, that obviously bothered me."
Bouanga also revealed: "In addition, we had a meeting with Ryad (Boudebouz), Adil (Aouchiche), Yvan (Neyou), Wesley (Fofana) and me. We discussed our respective futures and said to each other: 'If everyone stays, we'll have a great team and we'll do great things'.
"Afterwards, I understand Wesley, it was really double or nothing for him. Sometimes there are things in life that you can't refuse. The train only passes once."
