It is the pride of FC Versailles. Maël Durand de Gevigney is a pure product of the club. He learned all his skills there and his attachment to his team is almost visceral. “I’m a 78 guy (laughs). I followed the epics in the Coupe de France, I was even a ball boy against Dijon (5-1 defeat in the 32nd final in 2012)”, explains the young 22-year-old defender at the microphone of France Bleu Paris. “It’s huge to be able to represent the city, the department and even the whole region.“Whoever completes his physiotherapy studies at the same time regularly wears the captain’s armband around his arm.
“MDG” Captain by example…
His trainer Youssef Chibhi did not hesitate for a moment to give him this responsibility. Moreover, one word comes up every time we talk about “MDG” with him: exemplary. “It is the pride of all the educators of the club. He is an exemplary boy, we appreciate his career, his state of mind for years. Today is the just reward for all his work“, analyzes the technician from Yvelin at France Bleu Paris. “He is a boy who truly represents the values that we defend at FC Versailles. He invests, it’s great for a coach, he is hardworking, rigorous. He has quite high learning abilities. And I hope he will evolve in the higher divisions.“
… courted by many clubs
Precisely, for several weeks, recruiters have been flocking to the Montbauron stadium in Versailles to court him. But the club absolutely wants to keep it. “I’ll give you a scoop, we’ll work to meet him quickly, probably next month, because he’s at the end of his contract.“, announces Jean-Luc Arribart, general manager of FC Versailles.”
He is one of the players we want to secure, we want to see him continue the adventure with us – Jean-Luc Arribart
The main interested party, a big fan of the Brazilian defender Thiago Silva, does not hide it, his objective is to evolve in the medium term with the pros. “Being able to make a living from football has been a dream since I was little“, confesses the central defender. “With this career in the Coupe de France, it can help me achieve this.“And he will have a lot to do on Tuesday evening against the Niçois Amine Gouiri, Andy Delort or even Kasper Dolberg.
With a well-made head, performing on the field appreciated by all, Maël Durand de Gevigney perfectly sums up the FC Versailles club, an ambitious discreet who hopes to invite himself into the big leagues.