The Abbé-Deschamps stadium had the appearance of a legends meeting Tuesday evening on the occasion of the Jubilee of Djibril Cissé. The magic of football operated: Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba, Jay-Jay Okocha, Grégory Coupet and so many others responded to celebrate the attacker to the unique career. But in the midst of smiles and hugs, a name missed the call, that of Samir Nasri, announced for a long time among the guests.
Nasri, an absence that questions
Close to Cissé, with whom he shares beautiful memories at OM and in the French team, Nasri was unable to join the party. No controversy, simply personal circumstances: professional obligations, family living in Dubai, a busy agenda – so many reasons that recall how difficult it is for former internationals to combine all their lives in an evening. The main interested party, if he has not officially communicated, knows that the heart of football remains that of friendship.
Of course, in the spans of the stadium, some mentioned the presence of William Gallas, former teammate with whom relations are not the simplest. But the mind of the jubilee was elsewhere: celebrate Cissé, honor memories and routes. That evening, football was stronger than the absent, and everyone was able to appreciate the sincerity of the moment.
Nasri absent, but Cissé's successful feast
A collective tribute above all
Cissé, faithful to himself, did not let this absence disturb the party. He recalled, in all elegance, that this kind of event brings together more than it divides. Surrounded by his friends, he experienced an evening of sharing, memories and passion, punctuated by the ovation of the public and the smiles of the children who came to set off the lawn.
In the end, the jubilee of Djibril Cissé will remain as a history page for French football. The absence of Nasri, regretted but understood, has nothing to do with the beauty of the event. Because, as this evening has shown, the real message of football is that of respect and loyalty to friendships forged on the field, far beyond the vagaries of life.
