The Struggle of a British Fan Abroad
Moving to France has been an adventure in many ways, but one thing I never expected to struggle with was watching the Premier League. As a Chelsea supporter, my weekends have always revolved around one ritual: sitting down and watching the Blues with familiar English commentary.
But last weekend, when Chelsea faced Manchester City, I ran headfirst into a problem. While Canal+ broadcasts the Premier League in France, the commentary is only in French. My French is far from perfect, and within minutes of listening, I felt frustrated and disconnected. The rhythm was different, the passion wasn’t the same, and even the goal celebrations lacked that electric energy I’d grown up with.
Searching for English Commentary in France
Like many expats, I tried to find a solution. First stop: Canal+ settings, desperately hoping for a hidden “English audio” option. No luck. Then I looked into other French streaming platforms—again, nothing but French commentary. Perfect for locals, but for me, it felt like watching my team through a glass wall.
Out of desperation, I even walked into a nearby pub. The atmosphere was lively, the screens were everywhere, but the commentary was still in French. Surrounded by cheering locals, I felt oddly alone. It made me miss London—the familiar voices of English commentators, the shared tension with mates, the joy of shouting at the TV when Chelsea scored.
Discovering Ants Sports
Just when I was ready to give up, a friend suggested I try Ants Sports. At first, I was sceptical. Anyone who has lived abroad knows the pain of unreliable streams and shady websites. But when I gave Ants Sports a try, it turned out to be exactly what I had been searching for.
Suddenly, I was watching Chelsea vs Manchester City with full English commentary. The moment that voice came through, it felt like home. Chelsea’s attacks carried their usual intensity, City’s counters had my heart racing, and for the first time since moving to France, I felt properly connected to the match again.
Why Commentary Matters More Than You Think
Some people might ask: does the commentary language really matter? For me, absolutely. Commentary isn’t just background noise—it’s part of the match. It builds the tension, celebrates the goals, and mirrors the emotions of the fans. A familiar English voice carries a rhythm and passion that no translation can capture.
That’s why watching the Premier League in France with English commentary isn’t just about convenience—it’s about preserving the full experience of the game.
Better Than Pubs and Dodgy Streams
Since discovering Ants Sports, my weekends have changed completely. No more pretending to enjoy French-language broadcasts in pubs, and no more unreliable, low-quality streams. Now I can sit comfortably at home, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy ninety minutes of Premier League football the way it should be—clear, passionate, and in English.
What impressed me most was the quality: smooth streaming, reliable connections, and none of the stress that comes with “temporary fixes.” For once, I wasn’t worried about missing a goal because of buffering.
Carrying a Piece of Home Abroad
Living away from the UK means missing many small comforts, but football doesn’t have to be one of them. Thanks to Ants Sports, I’ve found a way to keep my ritual alive. Even in France, thousands of miles from Stamford Bridge, I can still feel that same buzz when Chelsea step onto the pitch.
So if you’re an expat or traveller wondering how to watch the Premier League overseas, especially with English commentary, don’t give up. There are solutions out there—and sometimes, they make all the difference.
The Chelsea vs Manchester City match reminded me of something important: being a fan isn’t only about watching the game, it’s about watching it the right way. For me, that means English commentary, reliable streaming, and the passion that makes football what it is.
With Ants Sports, I finally found that experience again. And if you’re in France—or anywhere abroad—struggling to watch the Premier League the way you want, it might just be the answer you’ve been looking for..
