Pagis must now “avoid retirement blues”

He hasn’t changed. Quiet and reserved. Well tanned, Mickaël Pagis walks in front of the journalists this Monday, around 14:30. Shyly, the striker shakes a few hands and gives a few smiles of greetings. Sitting in a sofa at La Piverdière, the striker is here to announce his « official and definitive retirement ».

Seventeen year of a rich career in clubs such as Rennes, Marseille or Sochaux are being put to an end this Monday. Close to 100 goals in 350 games as a professional. «I’m not a nostalgic, but I keep some very special moments in mind. My first Coupe de la Ligue victory with Sochaux, a few goals with Marseille and my hat-trick against Lyon with Rennes…», lists a player that wasn’t always fully understood by the Rennes supporters. «I arrived from Olympique Marseille. The fans were expecting wonders from me. It did not make it easy for me to adapt. And I have a different style of play. It can be hard to accept for some of the fans. Finally, I managed to change their opinion. This is one of my great victories. »

"At my age, I need some stability"

He’s been considering his options since two months now. Retirement or not? He only took his final decision «two or three days ago». Serene, the 37 years old player, which many consider as one of the most talented players in the French Leagues, explains calmly: «I’m not twenty anymore. My legs are getting heavy. I did not want to announce my decision to early, in order to give myself the time to consider all options», Mickaël Pagis explains. The striker had a few opportunities at various levels, from « Ligue 1 to CFA » but did not want to launch himself in a new project. « At my age, I need some stability. I still love the game as much, the competition probably not. I’m somehow not as competitive as I used to be », he continues, but he guarantees he « has got no regrets on his career ».

"I feel ready to share my experience"

His last season training without ever playing, or just a few minutes, as he wasn’t fitting in Frédéric Antonetti’s tactics, was probably the final blow to his determination. He doesn’t bare any grudges against his coach however. He even considers joining his coaching staff: «The club mentioned the possibility to create a position for an attacking coach. We have to discuss and think about such a position. Today, I feel more ready share my knowledge than I did two months ago. ». The player and the club should find an agreement at the end of the beach soccer season. Since a few weeks, Mickaël Pagis has joined Eric Cantona and the France beach soccer national team. At the end of August, the Route de Lorient favourite will play his last tournament of the season. Then he will have to find an occupation to «avoid retirement blues».

Benjamin Keltz - Le Mensuel de Rennes

Photo : www.lemensuelderennes.fr