This is the end of a false suspense at Stade Lavallois. Footballer Anthony Gonçalves is back at the club, six years after leaving for Strasbourg. The Tango formalized the return of King Gonçalves for the Ligue 2 season. The 36-year-old midfielder was presented to the press on Tuesday and signed a one-year contract plus an optional one. For three years, Anthony Gonçalves wore the colors of Stade Malherbe de Caen. The player is a true emblem of the Mayenne club where he played nine years as a pro (2007-2016). Hence a certain excitement of the supporters to see their idol again at the Gandonnières training center.
They were ten at the edge of the field this Tuesday morning, their eyes riveted on their idol. Didier had a rather bad experience of the departure of the innkeeper in 2016, a year before the descent to National. “I remember his departure, it moved me a lot. I was a little annoyed, but that’s sport, that’s football. In addition, he was going to bounce back in the first division which was good for him“says this fan.
“We’re going to stamp together”
Anthony Gonçalves can play in midfield, but also as a piston on the right side. A real asset according to Vincent. “_He is able to make excellent crosses, especially on set pieces. It will be precious to us_. It will densify the environment a bit. There are players with interesting profiles“Judge the supporter. But be careful, warns Nono, the child of the country is now 36 years old. It will therefore be necessary to manage him physically. “Of course it will be more or less difficult at different times of the season. But I’m not worried, he’ll get there. He’s a fighter, always behind the collective, always taking people forward“explains this club follower.
If the environment has not changed too much, Anthony Gonçalves discovered his new teammates ten days ago. A National champion group last season. “The group is totally different. And even, _I am lucky to know old people inside, and players against whom I could play_, even dabbing from time to time (laughs). Now we’re going to stamp the others together, so that’s nice. They welcomed me very well in the locker room, I would like to thank them“.
The interview
France Bleu: What has changed in the six years since your departure?
Well, first I found the training center. It was already a nice tool at the time. I think there are very few clubs that are lucky enough to be able to work in conditions like that. Here, there are people who have changed, who have grown, matured. Some have more white hair too (smile). I really found this family spirit (…) There is really a communion around the club, an enthusiasm that we must try to perpetuate over time. The championship will be totally different and Laval will look small. But you can also have ambition by being humble and I think that’s the DNA.
France Bleu: You arrive in a group that already knows each other very well. Is integration easier?
One of my former coaches said that new players had to be welcomed well, but that new players also had to make the effort to reach out to others. It’s 50/50. It’s a group that lives well. They had a great year. I have already been in their case sometimes and when it happens like that, it’s wonderful. In any case, I know that they welcomed me very very well. So I also thank them for that because it’s not easy. I feel that I am an added value. I’m not 20 anymore I know, but I come to give on the field, and outside. We talked about positioning with the coach. I have nothing to claim. I am a soldier of the club and the coach. If he thinks I should play striker, goalkeeper, whatever you want, he’s the boss and he’s the one who will decide.
France Bleu: Is the fact that the club contacted you from last season something honoring as well?
Of course, it’s rewarding, it’s a mark of special attention. But I have a special history with this club too. With the president we discussed and we met. We’ve known each other for years. I know that he is a president who works for the club and not for himself. He also gave his confidence to a coach for several years, to players for several years. It shows at some point that the project is not wobbly and that it knows where it wants to go.
France Bleu: How do you feel physically?
Like an old man (laughs)! No physically, I’m not bad. I always have this desire to show young people that on the pitch you don’t stop before me because I am 36 years old. I always have this little challenge in me. It may also be pride. I want to show that I am still efficient. Last season, I didn’t necessarily have a lot of playing time but I trained anyway. I was not on vacation on the landing beaches and I was always in the group, except for injury. So here it is, it was a mark of confidence from the coach there.