Opponent of PSG in the semi-final of the Champions League, Bayern Munich will be able to rely in particular on its two French players, Dayot Upamecano and Michael Ollise. The two men follow in the footsteps of their glorious elders who made the Bavarian giant happy, from Jean-Pierre Papin to Kingsley Coman via Willy Sagnol and Bixente Lizarazu.
In almost nine years in Bavaria, the Basque defender has built an extraordinary track record, including six German championship titles, five German Cups and above all the Champions League, the European Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup in 2001. However, in 2004, the former Bordeaux player, at the end of his contract, decided to leave the Munich giant, having not “could not agree on a common project”.
“I have decided to end my collaboration with Bayern at the end of this season,” said the 34-year-old full-back. I am proud of my career in this prestigious club where I have won everything but, for the first time in seven years, we have not been able to agree on a common project.
he explains in a press release shortly before the end of the season.
Back to square one six months later
During his last match with Bayern, on May 22, 2004, he left the pitch of the Olympic Stadium with tears in his eyes. “ I know I’m part of the Bayern family », he tells the supporters.
At 34, the Basque has not yet finished with football. “My performances and my motivation allow me to consider embarking on a new ambitious sporting project and bringing all my experience to a new club,”
he adds. Two months later, Bixente Lizarazu reached an agreement with Olympique de Marseille with whom he signed for two seasons.
But the marriage between the world champion and the Marseille club turned into a disaster, notably due to his complicated relationship with Philippe Troussier. Six months later, the native of Saint-Jean-de-Luz is already leaving OM to return to Bayern Munich after a simple phone call to Uli Hoeness.
