Alexandre Dujeux hails Pierrick Capelle and Abdoulaye Bamba as Angers pair confirm retirement | OneFootball

Angers coach Alexandre Dujeux has paid tribute to long-serving duo Pierrick Capelle and Abdoulaye Bamba after they announced they will retire at the end of the season.

According to L'Équipe, Capelle, 39, arrived in July 2015 and Bamba, 36, in January 2017, and Dujeux called their 11 and nine years at one club exceptional loyalty.

With two matches remaining, Angers are 13th in Ligue 1 and need one point to make safety certain. They host Strasbourg on Sunday without Amine Sbai, who is suspended.

Dujeux said two historic players are stopping, noting that nobody is eternal and that such moments are part of club life. He praised their footballing and human qualities and their influence on the group despite reduced minutes this season.

Capelle felt it was a fitting symbol to bow out together and spoke of pride in leaving with a sense of duty fulfilled. Bamba expressed pride at having given everything, emphasising the values they sought to pass on and their commitment to defending Angers' colours.

Source: L'Équipe