For Valentine’s Day, there are no surprises in this year’s Champions League. On the other hand, Valentine’s Day gives us wonderful stories of 2022. Enthusiastic stories between players and clubs over the years. You see, today we’re talking about the love of the jersey.
A love story that has been shaped since 2013 in Paris Saint-Germain. With the departure of Thiago Silva, Marquinhos became the idol of supporters. An ideal captain on and off the pitch. His goals at big events have created a bright image for him among the younger generation.
Despite his placarding this season, Steve Mandanda remains at the heart of the Marseillais. Many are asking for more respect and time for their favorite legend. A historic Olympique de Marseille goalkeeper who loves this jersey more than anyone. He holds the record for OM games.
Romain Hamouma kept this link to supporters at times. A unique love that binds the supporters of AS Saint-Etienne and their captain today. His playing time is down, but not his love for his green heart patch.
There has never been a Frenchman who has stayed long at Real Madrid. Karim Benzema made the round back. His relationship with the enthusiasts of Meringue sometimes doubt. The shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo weighed down on him. Then, as he leaves, fans discover the hero in him. An unconditional love that only brings success.
Mason Mount has created a unique universe with the Blues. The club’s kid, at the center since he was 8 years old, became a leader at Chelsea in 2022. Titles at all levels and an incredible ability to win. Fans love him more than legends like César Azpilicueta, that is.
In real life, who wouldn’t admire a minimum of N’Golo Kanté? A good player, very strong and very humble. The kind of people that everyone agrees to say good things about behind their backs. In Chelsea, in Leicester, in France or anywhere in the world, our tricolor star just spreads love and joy.
Giorgio Chiellini has become defensively dear to an entire legendary team. The Italian international has many unpredictable stories in his life. In the end, they brought him in more appreciated than ever by the supporters. A love affair between the captain and a stadium singing his name.
Marco Reus could leave like his legendary teammates. Mario Götze, Robert Lewandowski, Ilkay Gundogan, Mats Hummels, all joined the opponent in Bayern Munich or the Premier League. He stays. He struggled to fight the injuries as it was a tough time. In the end, his relationship with supporters is worthy of a novel. A relationship that has lasted for many years.
He was born in the Basque Country, grew up there and became captain of Real Sociedad there. Mikel Oyarzabal made his own. Now, the Iberian striker doesn’t find himself anywhere else than in his stable as often. In just 24 years, 259 games have been played on the clock. Fans paid him with drops that carried his resemblance.
Jordan Henderson sat in the shadow of Steven Gerrard. Everyone intended him to take over. A difficult task to maintain. But he is here in 2022 as captain, leader and executive with a good track record. Anfield fans offered him an unconditional cult after his two seasons leading up to the coronation in Europe and then in Britain. His commitment to many causes speaks for itself.
If Jamie Vardy doesn’t want anything, there’s Leicester. He was taken by the club, raised and made an England international. Instead, he was the top scorer in the championship during the historic coronation of wolves. The fiery British pyrotechnician took the opportunity to break incredible records. Many clubs want to sign him up after this. He prefers to stay and be expensive at LFC.
Dries Mertens had perfect times at Napoli. Arriving as a young Red Devil, he will emerge as the top scorer in club history. Last season, his departure seemed to happen. The Belgian international prefers to extend and register to the end with the love of his professional life.
Who saw it coming? Allan Saint-Maximm has signed on as the future star of the side Magpies. As the club approached the descent, everyone expected him to leave. Redemption does not seem to be enough for them. However, the former Niçois expressed his love: “I love this club, with all my heart. I have a house here “, sang Saint-Maximin. If that’s not love …
Their paths separate. A decade of adventure dictates their love. Then, Dani Alves joined other animals in Europe and then South America. In the twilight of his career, the international Auriverde returned to the choice of his heart. FC Barcelona needed him, he signed the weakest possible contract. A proof of love that supporters will never forget.
Téji Savanier has created a legend around his name. His talent exploded with Montpellier. He is included as always in his native region. The story would have been great. Whatever the outcome, fans always have a great story to tell about their star’s score. A love that is likely to last a few more years.