More than ever on the departure of FC Metz this summer, Matthieu Udol has finally opened up on the subject after several weeks. The captain of the Garnets, very marked by this episode, has finally “moved on to something else”, but continues to play the ambition card.
Should we still introduce Matthieu Udol? Emblematic captain of FC Metz, number 3 has known everything with the Garnets. From his first professional contract to trophies, through promotion to Ligue 1, to relegations and even to four ruptured cruciate ligaments: history will forever bring the two parties together. However, the 28-year-old, who has only known Moselle or almost (he was loaned to RFC Seraing during the 2015-2016 season), was never this close to a departure last summer . If today everything is fine “, this will remain a passage for him ” particular and quite new ».
The summer of all emotions
The Ligue 1 season will have left many traces. Relegation was the conclusion of a more than trying exercise, particularly for Matthieu Udol's captain's armband. “ A lot of emotions and a lot of disappointment in this season which was very difficult collectively, with a lot of burdens on my shoulders compared to my statusconfesses number 3. It was complicated. It ends with a little conflict with the coach who was there (László Bölöni). The way it ended wasn't a good thing. »
In this internal fog, the idea of leaving FC Metz resurfaces. “ There was this question that I asked myself ahead of this season in Ligue 1he reveals. I was coming off a good season in Ligue 2. I told myself that I had to confirm a season in Ligue 1 with the club. As an individual, I was satisfied, despite everything, with my season. Going down was a big disappointment and I couldn't see myself returning to Ligue 2 after the season I had. » A decision understood by the supporters who, with a heavy heart, could not live with the news of the garnet captain hoping, deep down, that the latter will stay. For his part, the left-back had to face many problems. “ There were lots of mixed feelings, plus a desire for challenge at the highest possible level.he explains. Disappointment to escape, ambition to rediscover too. »
In addition to this, a new factor has appeared in the equation: the arrival of a new staff, under the command of Stéphane Le Mignan. Obviously, arriving at FC Metz means having to rely on the one wearing the armband. “ For them, I was the captainhe elaborates. I had a potential desire to leave, but I liked what the coach was offering. It wasn't easy to manage. »
I know that potentially, one day, or not, I may have to spend my entire career here or I may have to discover something else.
Matthew Howl
ASSE, an almost established destination
It's no secret that Matthieu Udol's potential destination was known, in addition to being a bad twist of fate. AS Saint-Etienne, who defeated FC Metz in the Ligue 1 play-offs (1-2, 2-2), was “ very close » to welcome Matthieu Udol. The hiccup? FC Metz itself. “ It didn't happen because from the start, the club's desire was not to let me leavesays Matthew. This is what ultimately meant that the negotiations did not progress further. There was no desire to let me leave, whether for Saint-Etienne, where I was closest, or other clubs “. From then on, the idea of a potential standoff was to be excluded. “ That wasn't the idea. My desire has never been to be in conflict with the club because I love the club and for everything I have experienced here. »
An X factor named Gauthier Huh?
To get past his personal news, Captain Garnet did not hesitate to “ completely cut away from football » during his vacation with his family and a certain… Gauthier Hein whose return could have happened at a very particular time. “ The truth is he didn't convince mehe admits with a big smile. We each have our own careers but it is certain that the anecdote would have been very special if he came back and I left because, in fact, when we started, we were never really able to play together. I haven't thought twice about that, even if it makes me happy to play with him. » As a reminder, the duo represents eight goals and two assists in this first part of the season.
And now, at FC Metz?
The year 2024 is over for FC Metz. Unfortunately, it was punctuated by a heavy defeat against ESTAC Troyes (3-0) in the 32nd final of the Coupe de France. A competition which was clearly an objective for the club and its captain.
There were still discussions because I was disappointed with certain things.
Matthew Udol before approaching the 2024-2025 season
Before the meeting, the message was simple: “ My idea is to always give the maximum of myself, to perform wellhe says. I think we can always evolve and progress. I know that I have reached a certain level at the club, afterward, to go higher, it is the ambitions of the club that have to be higher to push the limits a little. » All that remains is to hope that the Garnets will be able to get off to a good start and above all evolve in the medium term. In any case, number 3 believes it. “ I think the club has the means, the structures, a staff with interesting ideas to move towards that level.. » On to the future.
All the news from FC Metz can be found in the Graoully Mag, every Monday and Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
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