Lyon supporters express their “sadness” and their “astonishment” after the departure of Jean-Michel Aulas

It was “a dreaded moment” for the supporters of Olympique Lyonnais. After the departure of Jean-Michel Aulas, president of the club for 36 years, the main groups of Gones supporters expressed their emotion on Monday, May 8. If the results were less good for a few seasons, OL still won seven French championship titles and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League twice under his presidency.

“It is sadness, amazement and emotion that intertwine in our hearts as OL supportersdeclares the Lyon 1950 group, which occupies the south corner of the Groupama stadium, in a press release. If we were not always in agreement, we have always had the deepest respect for you. Because we have grown and aged with you. You made the club shine and gave an entire city immense pride for years, arousing envy and jealousy all over France.”.

The “divergences” put aside to thank a “visionary” president

For its part, the Kop Virage nord, which claims more than 6,000 members, evokes the loss, for OL, of“a huge part of its history with the departure of the man who has led us for 36 years”even if the latter “cannot deny all the divergences of recent years”.

“Visionary since your arrival, you will remain this president who revolutionized French football and leave behind you an impressive legacy and an extremely solid foundation for the future of our club”says the KVN press release, which ensures that “the supporters will be able to thank (you) at the height of (your) work”.

In office since 1987, Jean-Michel Aulas left his place as CEO of OL Groupe, at the end of a board meeting which took place on Friday, to the American John Textor who bought the Rhone club in December last. He was originally slated to hold this position until at least 2025, before handing over control entirely to Textor.