Happy who like Ulysse had a great trip, Mathieu Valbuena blossoms in his new life in Greece. Far from the controversies, the Frenchman posted a great success with his club Olympiakos, opposed Thursday to Arsenal in the round of 32 first leg of the Europa League (21:00). Is it Greece that succeeds him or he who succeeds in Greece? Probably a bit of both. Obviously, the graft between the former Marseillais and Piraeus has taken well. The one whose name in France is still associated with the sextape affair - in which his former teammate Karim Benzema is notably implicated - now spends happy and peaceful days on the Greek coasts and appears as a providential man for the Olympiakos.
Towards a contract extension
Since arriving in late May from Fenerbahçe, Valbuena, 35, has scored 8 goals, all from the penalty spot, and has often made the difference for the Piraeus club. Latest feat in arms: three assists in the victory against Lamia (3-2) Wednesday in the quarter-finals of the Greek Cup. So much so that the former Bleu (52 caps between 2010 and 2015), which had originally signed for a year, should stay a little longer in the Greek port. "I got an oral agreement with the president," the player at Mega, owned by club boss Vangelis Marinakis, said on Monday. “We had a discussion about extending my contract for another year, to stay at the Olympiakos. I am very proud of it, very happy, ”added the ex-player from Lyon (2015-2017) and Marseille (2006-2014).
A prospect that delights his coach, Pedro Martins. "Valbuena is very happy to be at Olympiakos," said the Portuguese technician. He made the difference in the team thanks to his qualities and his excellent performances. He's a good player, he's had a good year, he's having a lot of fun and as he told me, he's happy here ”. With 18 assists, the Frenchman has made a place for himself in the hearts of his teammates. "We all know what Mathieu's passes can do. (...) It's like a gift for all of us. It is something wonderful. It is really very important to have him on our team and we can easily score goals thanks to his performances, ”summed up the Senegalese Pape Abou Cissé.
“I have already said in the past that I like passing more than scoring. I like to see my teammates scoring goals ”
Mathieu ValbuenaA role in which the 1m67 midfielder, nicknamed "Little Bike" for his hyper-activity on the ground and his ability to sneak around, recognizes to flourish fully. “I love making assists. I have already said in the past that I love passing more than scoring. I like to see my teammates scoring goals, ”enthuses the native of Bruges (Gironde). Forgotten the time when several fans of the Greek club questioned the arrival of the French, considered aging. Today, it is difficult to find someone who does not agree that Valbuena is the reference player for the Olympiakos this year.
"The French, at 35, (...) shows that his talent is always at the top," recently wrote the website of supporters of the Piraeus club, gavros.gr. “Valbuena always plays 100% and brings quality to the team (...). He offers passion, gives mental stimulation and pushes his teammates to levels that elevate the whole Olympiakos, ”we can read. The Frenchman received the ovation from Greek supporters last September during the Champions League match against Tottenham, where he scored the equalizer (2-2). "Our supporters are spectacular and to hear them shouting my name is a wonderful feeling," says Valbuena. If the course of the Greek club in C1 is now over, it continues in the Europa League, with the shock against Arsenal Thursday. A great opportunity for Mathieu Valbuena to remember the memory of Europe in football.
Read also
- Europa League calendar and results
