OL-Angers: Juninho returns home
On May 23, 2009, OL hosted Caen at the Stade Malherbe in Match Day 37 of Ligue 1. A quite extraordinary match: Lyon trailed leaders Bordeaux by seven points and already knew they'd miss out on a crown they lifted the past seven years. But the evening remains forever etched in club history since it was Juninho's OL farewell. The legendary Brazilian scored a penalty kick to reach the 100-goal mark with Les Gones. And in the 75th minute, he left the pitch to thunderous and emotional applause from the fans.
Ten years later, Juninho is back at the club as sporting director. Plenty has changed over the past decade: Goodbye Gerland, hello Groupama Stadium, a modern and much larger facility. Beginning Friday night against Angers, he'll serve in his new capacity in his new home.
I ask the fans to create an atmosphere here because we have a nice stadium. With us, we have to play every game to win. Opponents have to feel this from the opening whistle.
The words of a true captain, who, despite the years gone by, is still the same fierce competitor as ever. And, fortunately for us, he's back at Olympique Lyonnais.
