Portuguese player Rolando (37 years old), former player of Porto, Inter OM, gave an interview to the Joga! from RMC. The opportunity given to him to evoke – among other things – his four years in France (2015-2019), punctuated by difficult periods, and wonderful moments of joy.
He knew the whistles, the whoops, before the cheer. OM player for four seasons between 2015 and 2019 (123 appearances, 7 goals), Portuguese Rolando experienced a roller coaster ride in the Velodrome, but ended up earning the respect of the people of Marseille through patience and hard work.
Three and a half years after his departure, the former Porto and Inter defender – in search of a club since the end of his adventure in Braga last summer – says he does not regret the end of this chapter in Marseille. But he has fond memories of it, as he said in an interview with JOGA! , the RMC podcast dedicated to Portuguese football.
“When I make a decision, I never have any regrets. It was my decision (to leave Marseille). It was the right time, Rolando asserts. I had very difficult times at OM, but I also had things I went through that I wouldn’t experience elsewhere, with moments It affected my life. It’s a different city, I’ve learned to love it. I felt it was time to go, because they changed everything a little bit. It was a different time for the team. It’s a pity that André Villas-Boas (country countryman, editor’s note) arrived after I left (laughs) .But my time in OM is over.”
Payet? On my team, he would always start.
The 37-year-old Portugal international, in addition to his passions as the 2017-18 Europa League saga has also maintained ties with Marseille FC, via his former team-mates. “Bouba (Camara) sent me a message when he left for Aston Villa, and we also talked when he made his France debut,” says Rolando. Maxime (Lopez) asked me things when he went to Sassuolo because I played in Italy I kept in touch with a few Of the players. There is Doria who looks like a brother. Morgan Sanson asked me for advice when he came for a picnic in Porto. There are also (Luis) Gustavo, (Lucas) Ocampos, (Mauricio) Isla, (Javier) Manquillo… Among those who They’re still there, we talked to Diem (Payet).
Payet, like Rolando in the past, has been on the bench at Marseille this season. “Difficult, Diem’s qualities we all know,” notes the Portuguese. He’s a real No. 10, a player who wins matches with assists or goals. He sets the pace. He knows when to keep the ball, when to give it up… He’s a complete player. After that, the coach has different ideas. Because he has his own system. It’s football, everyone has their own ideas. I don’t know not Tudor, I won’t judge him, but I, in my team, Diem will always start.”
Ronaldo in OM? “I advise all players to go there, but I will also ask him to prepare well.”
And while the escapades of his former companion Cristiano Ronaldo, at club as at selection, are causing much ink to flow in Portugal, Rolando returned with a smile to the insane rumors – largely fueled by fans – after linking CR7 with Omáa. a few months ago.
“I would (Ronaldo join OM), that would be one more reason to go to the Vélodrome, smiles. We won’t lie to each other, Ronaldo remains Ronaldo. If he comes to a team like OM in France he will score at least ten goals. I’m sure he He will help the club well. Do I advise him? Of course I advise all players to go to OM but I will also tell him to prepare well, because it is not an easy place. You have to learn the life of Marseille, to live to the fullest. OM in Marseille is not only during matches, it is 24 hours in Today. But it’s a magical place, and a different one.”
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