On the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the Olympique de Marseille, the club organised a “Match of Legends” this Friday at the Stade Vélodrome. Among the guests of honour is Éric Gerets, former iconic OM coach between 2007 and 2009. Despite his weakened state of health, the Belgian technician wanted to make the trip to find his former players and the Marseille public. Present in Marseille on Thursday, Éric Gerets expressed his emotion of returning to the Phocéan city in the daily La Provence: “I am too happy to return to Marseille. I was already there last year (on the occasion of the OM-PSG match in March) to greet the audience. I swear to you, I had chills. And when I tell you chills, they were real chills!” said the former coach.

The one who led OM to a second place in Ligue 1 in the 2008-2009 season keeps a deep attachment to the club and its former players. “Today, I still have a lot of ideas to review my former players. It gives me a pleasure you can’t imagine. It’s like I’m coming home, even though I only spent two years in Marseilles.”

This return of Eric Gerets to Marseille is part of a series of events celebrating the 125th anniversary of OM, punctuated by this tribute match bringing together former glories of the club. For many fans, Éric Gerets embodies a landmark period of the club with an offensive style of play and a speech that is always appreciated in the region.

Despite his precarious state of health, the former coach did not want to miss this symbolic appointment with the Vélodrome. His visit was greeted by many fans, aware of the importance of his legacy in the recent history of the Olympique de Marseille.