Escaping relegation is a total relief - Jonathan Mensah

Ghana defender Jonathan Mensah is delighted to have played a part in helping Evian TG survive relegation from the French top flight.

The 23-year-old was resolute in his defending to help the Roses retain their Ligue 1 status with an impressive 3-0 win over Sochaux in the final game of the season.

The win ensured Evian’s four-year stay in Ligue 1 is extended for at least one more season with the narrow escape.

A defeat on the final day against relegated Sochaux would have seen Pascal Dupraz’s side go down instead.

Mensah who played more games this season than his previous campaigns in France is happy to have played his part in the successful relegation escape.

“I am totally relieved because surviving on the last day is a total relief for me and my team,” he told GHANAsoccernet.com.

“This year was difficult than the previous season and I played more games.

“We are a new team in the league. This is our third year [in Ligue 1] I think and it has not been an easy journey.

“But we’ve managed to stay in the league and I am happy with that.”

The ex-Free State Stars man is currently with the Black Stars in the Netherlands preparing for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Mensah is expected to form the first choice central defensive partnership with fellow Ligue 1 campaigner John Boye during next month’s finals.