Houssem Aouar has turned a page. After several failed attempts during the last mercatos, the midfielder has finally left Olympique Lyonnais. Before going free, which some at the club and among the supporters criticized him for, the 25-year-old player posted a long message to his training club. “Letter with an open heart to the club for which my heart beats and will always beat… This club is, of course, Olympique Lyonnais. Emblematic team that has always made me dream since I was young. Now is the time to turn this page and add a new chapter to my story.”he had started by explaining before emptying his bag.
Le Gone has taken off
“This departure, I had envisaged it much differently and much earlier. It’s a wish that I had already made 3 years ago, in 2020. But a player’s wish alone is not always enough to decide his fate. My primary goal having always been collective well-being, it seemed to me healthier at the time not to dwell on the question during the season so as not to impact the good state of mind of the group. However, the day will come when the truth will finally irradiate the ego wars that have prevented any deal from being made. This transparency I owe it to my soul as well as to my supporters. Everything in its time and everyone in its place. For now, it is with a heavy heart that I bid you farewell.”
The OL chapter closed, Aouar then took his first steps in the Algerian selection during the month of June. Entering the game for 26 minutes against Uganda in qualifying for the next CAN (June 18, 2-1 victory), he then played 33 minutes in a friendly against Tunisia (June 20, 1-1). After that, he was finally able to focus on his next challenge: AS Roma. On June 11, the Wolf announced her arrival. “The club is pleased to confirm the signing of Algerian midfielder Houssem Aouar. He signed a five-year contract with the Giallorossi, until June 30, 2028.
The seduction operation works in Rome
A new start for Aouar, who had agreed with the Roman team for a while. He had also taken the opportunity to take Italian lessons. The Fennec therefore arrived in his new club by already more or less mastering the language. Which pleased Roma, its supporters and the transalpine press. The seduction operation therefore got off to a good start. And it continued during the summer preparation. Friday, the Gazzetta dello Sport has also devoted a long article to the beautiful surprise Houssem Aouar.
“Aouar has already won over Mou and the Roma fans. Now they have more solutions”titled the publication in pink paper which then added: “If there is one player among the newcomers to Trigoria who in this pre-season has shown blatant things, it is Aouar. In the Giallorossi’s new 3-5-2, Aouar will play as a left midfielder, the role Mourinho prefers and where he has been placed almost always in this scorching summer. But the good thing about Houssem is that he turned out to be really versatile. If necessary, Mou can also line him up as a second point (also given the current shortage of attackers), or as a playmaker.
Everyone is conquered
There GoS added : “but, if you wish, Aouar can also play midfield, in case he decides to return to the old system. In short, he is a talented player, but he also knows how to solve problems. One of those that every coach would always like to have with him. Also because in fact, this summer Aouar also showed what he is capable of on the pitch: first touches, vertical play and quality in one touch of the ball. Watching him play is a delight, precisely because he knows how to give you the ball.” There gazzetta finally clarified that he is among the players designated by Mourinho to take set pieces.
In short, there is total confidence in the Algerian. It is he, moreover, that the Italian press was waiting for yesterday during the first day of the championship against Salernitana. Especially since Dybala and Pellegrini were absent. And for his baptism of fire in Serie A, Aouar was up to it. Despite the draw (2-2), his performance was praised. There Gazzetta dello Sport gave him a 6.5 (highest rating on his team with other players) with the following comment: “The applause of the Olimpico at the time of his replacement says everything about his performance. He may have stalled a bit at the end (physically, editor’s note). »
Aouar talks about his first steps
He was also praised by Il Romanista who wrote about him: “The Algerian, who is making his debut in Serie A, was the protagonist of an excellent performance and he came out to the applause of the Olimpico.” A successful first for the former OL player, who spoke about his first steps in Italy at the microphone of DAZN. It was a difficult match for us and for me. It’s new football for me. I hope to do better for the team. I’m happy with today’s game, I think we deserved to win. We have to learn to defend ourselves better, but I’m confident for the future. I need time to get back in shape but little by little I think I will be ready to help the team.
He then concluded: “I think we have a great team, with great players and we have to do better. As I said before, we spoke between players, we are happy and I will be ready for the season (…) Today was incredible at the Olimpico, I am happy with our fans and to play for this shirt. It’s an honor for me to play for this jersey. It’s a great club with a great history and unique supporters.” Life away from Lyon is therefore going rather well for Houssem Aouar.
