A few months before the World Cup, his change of club could be crucial. French international Steve Mandanda has left Olympique de Marseille to join Stade Rennais. “Coming to Rennes is a carefully considered choice,” he explained at a press conference. You had to be convinced that I still had this desire to perform and help the club.
Indisputable starter in goal for OM until the arrival of Pau Lopez, the goalkeeper only took part in nine league games last season. In Rennes, he should “find some playing time” but also become one of the locker room managers. “With my experience, I look like an elder. I want to put my experience at the service of the group,” he adds.
“The France team never refuses”
While he was not in the last groups convened by Didier Deschamps at Clairefontaine, the international with 34 games with the Blues does not draw a line under the France team. His return as a starter could allow him to aspire to the World Cup in Qatar at the end of the year.
“The France team never refuses. If they call on me, I will go with pleasure,” he said, aware that he would need “much more playing time” than at OM to get there. Leaving Marseille was not an easy choice for him, after 14 seasons with the club. “I’ve experienced everything there and it hasn’t been easy, it’s my favorite club. I’m not going to lie to you: I will continue to follow them”, adds the doorman, who would have “preferred to say goodbye to OM supporters otherwise”.
“Heart heavy and full of emotions”
Five days ago, he sent a farewell message to Marseille supporters on Instagram. A thank you for their support “in the good times and the more difficult times”, all “with a heavy heart and charged with emotions”.
Released by OM with one year left on his contract, the goalkeeper is now linked to Stade Rennais for the next two seasons.