Eight seasons, more than 300 matches, several national trophies including a French champion title and some iconic goals: Mathieu Valbuena has left an indelible mark on theMarseille Olympicwhere he played between 2006 and 2014.
Not always spared by OM supporters since his departure – particularly when he moved to the camp of rival Lyon -, the attacking midfielder nevertheless maintains a good popularity rating in the club’s fan community.
Mathieu Valbuena in the OM jersey.
And for good reason: Valbuena never fails to proclaim his love for Olympique de Marseille when the opportunity arises. Latest example to date with an interview given to L’Equipe this week.
“My favorite club is Marseille”
“ I went to see certain groups of supporters at their premises. And if you ask me my favorite club, it’s Marseille. These fans gave me everything, enthused the former French international. They are the ones who made me become the guy who is sometimes a little insolent, a little temperamental, the carefree guy. OM is a legendary club, a club with a history, a club where it is hard to sign, to last and to play 331 matches. Do you realize that for someone from National? When you talk about Marseille here, they tell me: “It’s dangerous, how did you do it? » »Stop thinking that, it’s a magnificent city, exceptional supporters. »
A passionate climate that Valbuena now finds in Greece, at Olympiakos Piraeus. “ They say here that I have the passion of a beginner. That’s why they give me so much love. Opposing teams respect me a lot in terms of my career, my longevity and what I was able to do with team 1 from 2019 to 2023. They say to themselves: “How can he still run and be hungry at this level? » That’s my mentality. The love I had for Marseille, I have for Olympiakos. »
