In-form FC Metz midfielder Habib Maiga has revealed his respect for teammate John Boye.
The 24-year-old Ivorian wants to tap into the experience of the Ghana defender who has been named captain of the French Ligue 1 outfit.
Maiga believes Boye's presence in the dressing room has been a blessing for him.
''There are a lot of Africans here indeed. I think it's FC Africa. Afterwards there's a good understanding,'' Maiga said in an interview.
''This makes everyone want to know the other. The atmosphere is super good. Ghanaian John Boye is an elder. I can only respect it.
''When he was competing in the CAN or the World Cup, I was only a student in Gagnoa (Laughs). Being in the locker with such a guy is respectful.''
FC Metz have many African stars including Senegalese duo Habib Diallo and Opa N'Guette, Alexandre Oukidjia and Farid Boulaya from Algeria), Kevin N'Doram of Chad) and Ivory Coast star Angban Victorien