French attacking midfielder Mathieu Valbuena (38) has left Greek side Olympiacos upon the expiry of his contract, the player and the club have announced. The former Marseille and Lyon player joined Greece in 2019. He went on to play 150 games with the Piraeus-based side, logging 18 goals and 43 assists. Valbuena won the Greece Super League three times, from 2020 to 2022. L’Équipe understand that Valbuena had refused to put pen to paper over a contract extension with the Red and Whites.
Message to Olympiacos Familly ❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/jvyBgwF66M
— Mathieu Valbuena (@MathieuVal8) July 10, 2023
Valbuena penned an emotional statement on his social networks to the Olympiacos fans, saying that the club would retain a special place in his heart. “You guys have brought me so much happiness and fulfillment.” In a press release of their own, the Greek side have paid tribute to Valbuena who, more than once, had donned the skipper’s armband for Olympiacos. “You are one of the best players that have competed in our country and you worthily wore with pride the red-and-white Olympiacos jersey.”
Oh Captain! Our Captain! Σε ευχαριστούμε για όλα τεράστιε νικητή Ματιέ! Για το ταλέντο σου και την ποιότητα σου εντός και εκτός γηπέδου, το μαχητικό σου πνεύμα και την καρδιά λιονταριού που έχεις! Είσαι ένας από τους μεγαλύτερους παίκτες που έχουν περάσει από την χώρα μας και… pic.twitter.com/Nal6tncxyu
— Olympiacos FC (@olympiacosfc) July 10, 2023
The 2010 Ligue 1 winner with Marseille is now free to join another club. L’Équipe understand that, even at 38, Valbuena does not intend to hang up his boots yet. Is a return to France on the cards?
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
