As exemplary as ever against Rennes, this Sunday during the celebration of LOSC's 80th anniversary, Benjamin André has entered a little further into the hearts of the club's 104 former glories present for the occasion. They are unanimous: the captain represents the soul of the Mastiffs.
Cabaye, Garcia and Fonte all under the spell of Benjamin André
Of the dozen or so former LOSC glories who spoke to our microphone this Sunday for the club's 80th anniversary, none were exceptions. When we talk about the current Mastiff who best represents its spirit and identity, one and the same name stands out. “ He's a player who has been performing for quite some time, it's Benjamin Andrewbook Yohan Cabayeformer midfielder (1998-2011) who could almost see in him a form of successor. It is the soul of the club. Even if he is not originally from Lille, he is a very reliable player who is always there. »
If he never had him under his command, Rudi Garcia (2008-2013) admits “ a little weak » for this environment with a profile « balancer ». José Fonte (2018-2023), he had the chance to share the field with him for four seasons, with the added bonus of a French champion title in 2021. “ What a player!exclaims the Portuguese, impressed by his successor as captain. Today (here)he still runs everywhere, he wins the balls, the duels. He's a huge player. I will put him in all matches, he does a great job. He's a brother, he's very important for this club. He's a very generous player who gives everything, and that's why everyone loves him. »
L'amour immeasurable by Fernando D'Amico
And one man seems to love her more than anything: Fernando D'Amico (1999-2003), real “ lover of LOSC ». « It's the Mastiff. It represents everything, it is the soulsays the former Argentinian midfielder. In the history of LOSC, there have been Balmont, Mavuba… Always pit bulls, Mastiffs! “. No doubt he forgot to add himself to this category of irreproachable duty players dubbed by the people of Lille. He recognizes himself in Benjamin André.
« What a captain!he continues. He's a guy who doesn't give up, who's serious, tough. I love it! I saw him before the match, I kissed him and hugged him, saying thank you. I identify a lot with who he is. I was the same during my time at LOSC: never give up and give everything until the end! » The photos of his shorts pulled up at the end of the match, as if to encourage a final effort, are there to remind us.
All the players who have passed through LOSC are proud to have been part of this club, I don't know anyone who is disappointed with their passage. Each player is inhabited by the Mastiff.
Benjamin André, captain of LOSC
So much praise from LOSC figures which does not leave the main interested party indifferent. “ It touches meconfesses Benjamin Andrewwhich does not lose its sense of collectiveness for anything in the world. Each player has brought or is bringing his stone to the building. All the players who have passed through LOSC are proud to have been part of this club, I don't know anyone who is disappointed with their passage. Each player is inhabited by the Mastiff. » The captain, present on the pre-match tifo bringing together some of the greatest heroes of LOSC, does not hide his “ great pride to be part of the history of this club ». « I've been here for a while: six years, trophies won and pages writtenhe recalls. But there are plenty more to write. »
Enzo PAILOT, in Villeneuve-d’Ascq
Photo credits: Baptiste Fernandez/Icon Sport
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