The 2018 world champion goalkeeper has today decided to end his career. The coach is full of praise for the former porter of the Blues.
The coach of the Blues returned to the retreat of one of his most loyal executives: “I have, on behalf of French football, to pay a full tribute to Steve Mandanda. Steve has chosen to put an end to his long and rich career. In football, reaching the high level is very complicated; Staying there is even more. Record department of matches played with Olympique de Marseille, the club where he revealed before becoming a respected captain, Steve also marked the history of our national selections, with the hopes then the French team. Finalist of Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup, 2018 world champion, he was of all the major recent epics, which testifies to the confidence I gave him. I have the greatest respect for this exemplary player, who has always returned a positive image of our sport. I hope to be able to welcome him in a future match of the French Team to show him the gratitude of the French Football Federation. ».
Deputy coach of the Blues Guy Stéphan also wanted to pay tribute to the former OM goalkeeper : “Steve puts an end to a huge career. I obviously remember what we experienced at OM. The title of 2010, the League Cups, the Champions Trophies, the Champions League matches and this quarter -final against Bayern Munich where we had missed a lot. Then there was the French team, where he had found an important place in the group, even essential, when he was the lining of Hugo. These are superb moments. I am delighted and proud to have accompanied him to OM and the Blues. »»
There will remain a reference and will leave an indelible mark in the history of French goalkeepers.
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Goalkeeper coach Franck Raviot on the one he saw growing : “Steve decided to close the book of his big one, his magnificent high -level career. It was an immense pleasure of having shared many seasons with him, with the hopes and then in this French team which he loved so much. There will remain a reference and will leave an indelible mark in the history of French goalkeepers. Steve, it’s 35 selections in the France team. Only five guards count more in history. And it’s also 159 presences on the match sheet. These figures impose the greatest respect. Steve can and must be very proud of everything he has done in the field, the values he has conveyed. I wish him a lot of happiness in his life and his future projects. Inevitably, his decision to stop touches me. I send him all my affection. »»
Florian Thauvin, his teammate for 6 years at OM also returned to his retirement: “I just say thank you for everything, the rest is privately. I love you my brother. »»
Maxime Lopez, also teammate at OM, wanted to pay tribute to his captain: ” An honor of having shared so many moments with a legend of French football! Thank you for everything! You finished the game.»
