AS Saint-Etienne has learned of the death of one of its legends. Kees Rijvers, who was one of its most glorious attackers, has died at the age of 97.
Saint-Etienne has lost one of its legends. The Forez club announced on Monday the death at the age of 97 of Dutchman Kees Rijvers, French champion in 1957 and winner of the Coupe de France in 1962 under the Saint-Etienne jersey.
“At the age of 97, he was the dean of our former Greens. He will remain a formidable player, an artist for a whole generation of Stéphanois! Kees Rijvers has passed away. We think of him and those who loved him.”wrote ASSE on social networks.
After a first stint with the Greens (1951-53), the Dutch attacking midfielder moved to Stade Français but returned two years later (1955-57) before ending his career there (1960-62). Remembered for his small size (1m64) and his incessant activity, which earned him the nickname “Trotinette”, Kees Rijvers also entered the history of the championship for having been the first player to use screwed crampons.
In the Netherlands, Kees Rijvers entered the legend of Dutch football on the bench of PSV Eindhoven between 1972 and 1979 with three Dutch championship titles and a UEFA Cup, nevertheless losing three times against the Greens in the European Cup. The technician then managed the Netherlands for three years between 1981 and 1984.
