‘I stop footy aged 27 after £7m Prem deal – I’m now in France’s fifth division’

Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, who as soon as value Newcastle United £7m, stop soccer at 27 however is now again enjoying in France’s fifth division.

The 34-year-old, who has had a vibrant profession with stints within the South of France, Newcastle and Rome, initially retired in 2020 after enjoying for Lyon. However, he hadn’t truly been on the pitch since 2017 – a complete seven years in the past.

Now, he is made a stunning return to soccer, signing for French minnows Istres, who play within the fifth tier.

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After confirming his transfer, he stated through the Mirror: “The project is interesting and I wanted to get back into the field. I will bring my experience and pass it on to young people.” Despite being within the decrease leagues, Istres are a drive to be reckoned with. They’re at present main the Championnat National 3 and have a stadium that may maintain 17,000 followers.

But it is a far cry from the stadiums Yanga-Mbiwa used to play in. He began his profession with Montpellier in 2007, performed over 200 video games and helped them win the 2011/12 Ligue 1 marketing campaign – the one main home title of his profession. His spectacular type caught the eye of different golf equipment. AC Milan tried to signal him, and he reportedly even turned down a transfer to Arsenal.

Yanga-Mbiwa received an enormous shock when he swapped sunny France for cold Newcastle, however he ended up loving the Geordie followers. He stated to ChronicleLive in May 2022: “It was difficult because I came from the south of France, where the heat is very good, and it was totally different in Newcastle.

What are your thoughts on Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa’s football career? Let us know in the remark part beneath



Yanga-Mbiwa had blended emotions of Newcastle United
(Image: Getty Images)

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“Sometimes, I used to cry. Not only me but a couple of others, too. It was funny. I opened the window and I didn’t see the sun for maybe three or four days. It was snowing!”

Plus, he discovered the native lingo baffling at first: “Also, I speak English now and understand English but, when I was there, when people spoke Geordie to me, it was like Chinese! The first time was strange but when you started to get to know them, you just loved them because they gave you love. They gave you everything.”



Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa celebrates after scoring for Roma
(Image: Getty Images)

And he was amazed by how a lot the locals beloved their footie: “Even when I went down the street or was shopping, I would see the fans. It was funny to talk with them. When you speak with one Newcastle fan, trust me, in the next two minutes, there will be maybe 50 or 60 behind you. It’s because they love football.”

Yanga-Mbiwa solely performed for Newcastle United for a short while earlier than he went to Roma, however he nonetheless loves the group. He stated: “I still love Newcastle. I still watch some Newcastle games. I still support Newcastle. When I see the stadium full today, it makes something inside of me excited. It’s a good emotion.”



Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa final performed for Lyon
(Image: Getty Images)

He did very well and helped the group are available in second place, however they did not preserve him. So, Yanga-Mbiwa went again to France to play for Lyon. He had a good time there, even enjoying in massive video games just like the Champions League.

But then, he vanished from the soccer world. His final sport for Lyon was in 2017, and by 2020, he left the membership with none fuss. He stopped enjoying soccer for some time, however now he is again! He’s enjoying for a group referred to as Istres. We all hope he likes the climate there greater than in Newcastle!

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