The former glories played and communicated with the public of La Mosson, this Saturday, November 16, in front of nearly 7,000 people. A fresh and moving moment of remembrance in a fair atmosphere.
Seeing his life unfold at only fifty years old, on a green carpet where so many poker shots and three-cushion billiards were played. This is what happened in Montpellier Hérault, this Saturday, in the sanctuary of La Mosson when Albert Rust, designated standard bearer, led in his wake dozens of former glories for a lap of honor which went back symbolically time, counterclockwise.
Of course, the snow whitened a few hairs, the weather thickened the silhouettes, but the spark shone in everyone's eyes, fanned by the gentle breeze of reunion. A joyful mess that took us back exactly to the beginnings of La Paillade, when the first firecrackers tore through the smoke from the barbecues and the wooden stands resonated with the impatient stamping of a happy band of fools.
“The only club capable of bringing together so many alumni”
“It’s just touching to see the old ones again,” summarizes Franck Lucchesi, left back of the epic 90 in the Coupe de France. “If we had had such a pitch, I am sure that we too could have become champions of France.” laughs Jean-Claude Lemoult, happy “to find this atmosphere again.”
The younger generations are not the least moved. “It is undoubtedly the only club capable of bringing together so many alumni. It feels great to come back to this club where people have always supported the projects”exclaims Rémy Vercoutre, who remembers his first start in goal, for a D2 derby against Nîmes Olympique.
“The images come back to us”
“The images come back to us, this club has helped us get through so many stagesconfirms Geoffrey Doumeng, today coach of the D3féminine. First bird to fall from this cozy nest before taking flight in Toulouse, Gérald Passi admits “a great emotion because everything started from there, from this training center.”
René Girard, smiling with happiness, grabs Karim Aït Fana by the neck and points to this corridor where Giroud had tumbled to offer the attacker a goal still hanging in the sky, one evening in May 2012 against Lille.
White and Hilton like in the best days…
“It stirs”confirms Michel Mézy, promoted to coach, with Girard, of this team of legends then called upon to rub shoulders with former French internationals. White and Hilton for a top-flight defensive hinge.
Midi Libre – JEAN MICHEL MART
In the stands, the eyes of the most loyal ultras shine with a very old pleasure, resurrected by the goals of Costa, Utaka, Camara, Montano for a 5 to 1 victory. As in the finest hours, in the days of happy days. This club has got us so used to crossing deserts that there will be others.
Poignant tribute to Loulou
“I can’t wait for the 74th minute”Jean-Claude Lemoult confided from the stands. When it occurs, the match stops at the same time as time, suspended by this round of applause which comes to tap Loulou on the shoulder, up there.
Laurent Nicollin cannot hold back his emotion, like some players on the pitch. The mound can light the candles for this beautiful anniversary. Passion still flows in the veins of La Paillade.
