"Marouane, toujours dans nos coeurs"

"Marouane, tjr (toujours) dans nos coeurs"

The banner said it all in the packed Stade Chaban-Delmas.  The French-Moroccan boy who had grown up in the Gironde, said goodbye to his fans for the final time.
Bordeaux won their match against Sochaux, 2-0, and Marouane had a couple of great chances to score, but was rebuffed by their keeper.  It would have been fitting for him to give them one last score.  But it was not to be.
In the 71st minute, Laurent Blanc decided to sub in David Bellion (former United player) for Marouane and a "monstrous ovation," as French paper Sudouest called it, ensued. 
After the match he was carried around on the shoulders of his team-mates as the fans showed their appreciation for his dedication over the last nine years.
It is refreshing to see a player leave a club and it not be under a cloud of controversy or ill-feeling.  Yes, Marouane was not happy with Bordeaux for blocking his move to Arsenal last summer, after they had failed to extend his contract.  The Bordeaux front office has since regretted that decision and tried to offer Marouane a stellar contract to make up for that gaffe.  But it was too late to persuade a player who already had half his mind in London.  I think he still had his heart in Bordeaux, and evidenced by the photos below...one could understand why.
His last match was bittersweet for me.  I watched it wearing my "Chamakh" t-shirt, and hoped to see him play with the one player who understands him innately, Yoann Gourcuff.  But Yoann was not on the roster today, so I didn't get one last Chamcuff photo.  :(
I'm sure in the next few weeks Arsenal will make an official presentation and then his journey will be complete.

Sudouest interviewed a few who have known Marouane and here are some of their comments:

Marc Planus (Girondins player)
"It is sad tonight for the end of Marouane. I knew him for ten years, he's an exemplary player that I have never seen cheating. He played every game with the same mindset. I worked alongside great players like Dugarry or Pauleta, but then also Chamakh. If he is happy I'm happy for him. He deserves it."

Patrick Battiston (Director of Training Centre) :
"Marouane is leaving. Well, obviously I would have liked him to stay a little longer. But that's life, that's football. The bird leaves the nest. Whether it's the right time for him ... I do not know, you never know. Some are happy while staying in the same club, others want to discover new horizons, to learn other things. He was so generous with the Girondins he certainly earned the right to leave without a grudge. But of course, emotionally, seeing a boy like him, especially when he is nice, it's always very emotional. There is even a little sadness. He was like this from his inception. We had fun working with him. He has gradually taken steps, while remaining the same, kind, enthusiastic person. So yes, we will regret it. He has been a symbol. He is the region, he has been formed here. But who knows? Perhaps he will return one day. "

Elie Baup (Girondins coach 1997-2003):

"Marouane was one of the most gifted players of their generation. He progressed each season, with a linear path to become one of the best strikers in Europe. He's a player every coach would like to have in their team, for his generosity, altruism and the quality of his game head. For me, he is number one in France. He finally exhausted because he has given everything. At Arsenal, he will continue to grow, because he will fall in a supportive environment."

Lawrence Perpigna (representing Ultramarines fan club):

"Marouane is expected this evening (yesterday). He expressed the wish to come and say goodbye. That pretty much sums up the character, his kindness. Before that, Rio Mavuba and Jean-Claude Darcheville were the only ones to do this. We are very touched by his gesture. As for his departure, he makes us sad of course. And even sadder than the end of history coincides with a disaster of sport. He did not deserve it. Because frankly, throughout the season, he has been one of the few that we have nothing to reproach. He stayed nine years, he has always fought for his club, he has always respected the fans. Of course, one would have liked him to stay, at least one more season ... but we can not blame him for his desire to leave."

Marouane training with Bordeaux in 2003

Being introduced with the Starting XI before the match

"Marouane, always in our hearts"

Congratulating Wendel on his penalty

Being subbed off for the last time to a "monstrous ovation"

Being carried around by his team-mates

He deserves this so much...:)

Saluting the fan clubs

"I dreaded the evening, I tried to remember but the emotion has taken over. There was everyone tonight, my relatives, the public ... the Ultramarines fans, everything has gone well for me. I am very attached to them, they will always be in my heart. It is an unforgettable evening. The farewell from the public just warmed my heart."

Bonne chance, Marouane...et bienvenue a Inglaterre!