Yoann Gourcuff features in Lorient centenary gala at Le Moustoir | OneFootball

Yoann Gourcuff, largely out of the spotlight since retiring in 2019, returned to the pitch on Monday in a gala match marking Lorient’s centenary, and his side won 4-1.

According to L'Équipe, 10,599 supporters filled Le Moustoir in the sunshine, many reliving old memories. The ground is especially close to home for the Ploemeur-born midfielder, raised six kilometres away.

True to his discreet nature at 39, Gourcuff did not take questions afterwards, though the stadium announcer coaxed a brief remark amid warm applause. He said it was a pleasure to be back for the centenary, that he knows the stadium well and often came here as a child. He spent his early years with Les Merlus before moving to Rennes.

Around the ground, a wall of 55 figures saluted Lorient icons, with Christian Gourcuff, who managed the club in 1982-1986, 1991-2001 and 2003-2014, the most talked-about absentee after declining an invitation years after a falling-out with Loïc Fery. On the pitch, his son lined up for the "Team des héros" against Lorient legends.

Festivities were light-hearted until later in the day, when club matters took over and the probable departure of Olivier Pantaloni at season’s end loomed. Several former players had also visited Christian Gourcuff on Sunday to spring a 71st-birthday surprise.

Source: L'Équipe