There were 104 former LOSC residents, former Lille glories, to parade on the red carpet this Sunday, for the match celebrating the club's 80th anniversary. Yohan Cabaye stopped at our microphone.
How does it feel to be here?
What's great is that we already met again last night. There are players from all generations, even some elements that I didn't know. These are the kind of moments that bring back memories. It was a great moment and thanks again to the club for organizing all this for us, for thinking of everyone. I'm really happy to be here.
Was there a nice meeting with an elder you didn't know?
For example, Fernando D'Amico, who I didn't know. When I was younger, he was one of the players I admired and looked up to with big eyes. I was able to exchange with him, understand what he was doing now and these exchanges are priceless moments. If I was able to do everything I was able to do in my career, it is thanks to Lille and all the values they gave me, work and respect. I grew up with this club. And I am very happy to have been able to experience this moment.
What do you think of the evolution of the club?
She's really great, but really. Even me, when I started playing, we didn't have the same infrastructure. The club developed and grew quietly. They are still there today, at the highest level of French football. They constantly play European competitions. There, even in the Champions League, the results are really very positive. I think the evolution is very, very good. When you work, you work well, and there are no secrets in Lille.
Is there a player you recognize yourself in in the current squad?
I think they're really, really good at what they do. I really enjoy watching their encounters. For me, it's a player who has been performing for quite some time: it's Benjamin André. For me, he is the soul of this team, of the club, even if he is not from Lille. He's a very, very reliable player. We know he will always be there.
