Mathieu Valbuena is not finished with professional football yet. While retirement appeared to be a possibility this summer, the former France international is preparing to take on a particularly unexpected new challenge by joining Santa Lucia, a club competing in Malta’s second division.
According to L’Équipe, the 41-year-old attacking midfielder will sign a one-year contract with an option for an additional season. It is a surprising destination for a player who has experienced Ligue 1, Russia, Turkey, Greece and Cyprus during a career spanning more than 20 years.
Valbuena Delays Retirement for a New Challenge in Malta
Twenty years after joining Olympique de Marseille, Mathieu Valbuena is set to discover another new league. His objective will be clear: to bring his experience to Santa Lucia and help the club return to the top flight of Maltese football.
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Last season, the player nicknamed “Petit Vélo” featured for Olympiacos’ reserve team in the Greek second division. Despite an injury-disrupted campaign, he made 11 appearances, scored three goals and provided four assists. The former Marseille and Lyon player had considered retiring this summer, but his love of the game and desire to continue his career ultimately prevailed.
This move to Malta therefore adds another unexpected and original chapter to an already remarkable career. Unless, of course, Valbuena decides to postpone retirement once again. Also read: PSG: The Four European Giants Dreaming of Barcola; Italy: Pirlo in Turmoil as Maldini and Leonardo Consider Walking Away; Kylian Mbappé Writes an Emotional Letter to the French People After the World Cup; Yan Diomandé Joins Real Madrid as PSG Feel Betrayed; Arsenal Ready to Offer Vinícius Jr a Record Salary; Neymar Firmly Denies Insulting Two Santos Youngsters.
