Steve Mandanda on emotional Vélodrome return: ‘It was magical’ | OneFootball

The Vélodrome roared in the final minutes of added time. It was reserved for the one and only Steve Mandanda (40) who made his final return to the club that he had spent 15 years, who was substituted on symbolically by Rennes manager Habib Beye to the adulation of supporters. Even Marseille captain Leonardo Balerdi would hand his armband to the the 40-year-old following game, as he lapped up the adulation of both of Marseille’s virages. Speaking in the mixed zone following the game, Mandanda gave his response to an emotional moment that he perhaps was not expecting, but won’t forget any time soon. “It’s always a special moment to come back here, but today even more so,” the former Marseille captain said post-match in the presence of Get French Football News. “I want to thank Gauthier Gallon and Nico Lesage – they pushed me to go for it. I didn’t really want to because at 3-2 the match was still being played. I don’t know yet what the future holds, I need time to reflect.”

Mandanda made it clear this was not intended as a testimonial. Despite reports in the week leading up to the match that some sort of tribute could take place, the 39-year-old was initially reluctant to play a part. “In my mind, this wasn’t a farewell,” he explained. “That’s why I declined earlier in the week when I spoke to the coach. It was important for the team to finish the season properly and keep some continuity. But the scenario of the match gave me this moment. I’m grateful to the coach for pushing me as well. I have no regrets – I just didn’t want people to think this was my final match.”“It was incredible. It reminded me how much I love this club and how attached I am to OM,” he said. The final emotional touch came when current OM captain Leonardo Balerdi handed Mandanda the armband upon his entrance. “I didn’t expect that at all – it was an incredible gesture,” Mandanda said. “I’ve seen Léo grow, and today he’s a very good captain. I was really touched.GFFN | George Boxall – Reporting from Stade Vélodrome, Marseille.