On Saturday, for its last preparation match before the start of hostilities in Ligue 1, Olympique de Marseille welcomes Aston Villa at the Orange Vélodrome. There will most likely be, like against Seville, a hot atmosphere and the world in the stands. Maybe even more. Already because the opponent is of a higher caliber, but also because an old Marseillais will return to his former lair for the occasion.
Boubacar Kamara, born in the Marseille city and trained at OM, will crowd a lawn that he knows well for having practiced it in the pros between 2016 and 2022. For a long time, “Bouba” was the best – and one of alone – local hopes to pull out of the game to become one of the team's executives. Unfortunately, it was at the end of the contract, without his management being able to withdraw the slightest counterpart, that the French international left Marseille to engage with Aston Villa in 2022.
Maxime Lopez claims the leniency
Adored by the regulars of the velodrome, Kamara thwarted them by leaving without giving the impression of wanting to return the elevator to her training club, unlike what a Samir Nasri had done in his time. Suddenly, what will be the temperature when its name is announced by the speaker of the boulevard Michelet enclosure, whether in the starting eleven or when entering? Nourished applause, like what awaits Maxime Lopez when he returns with Paris FC? Or whistles and some bird names to show him that we do not leave OM for free?
Maxime Lopez, who rubbed shoulders with Boubacar Kamara for several seasons at the training center and among the pros, asked for mercy to the public on his social networks. “Bouba deserves a real welcome!” He never cheated, always given everything! And it is one of the best players that OM has had in the last 10 years. I can understand that it is frustrating that a talented young person like him leaves free, but that is part of football too. He loves OM and that forever! ».
Answer on the reception which will be reserved for Boubacar Kamara, Saturday evening, at 7 p.m.
