Fabien Lemoine is over the moon

As happy as a sand boy after the victory over Valenciennes (1-0) this Saturday, Fabien Lemoine enjoyed his return to competitive football to the fullest. Four months after he had his kidney removed, the midfielder could play professional football again (“a superb emotion”), entering the field during injury time. Even better, he flavoured his return with an assist, kicking the corner that lead to Kana-Biyik’s victorious goal.

Questioned after the game, the man from Fougères could not hide his delight after the ordeal he went through last summer. “This is one of the most beautiful days in my life tonight, he affirmed to Ouest France. Absolutely. Absolutely. It wasn’t very long, five minutes, but it was a magic moment, perfect. After, I can’t remember whether somebody jumps in my arms or if it is the other way round. It was a special moment, I did not know where I was. It was beautiful”.

Not use to take set-pieces, Lemoine tried his luck this time, with success. “I had like pins and needles, he explains. I went to take them although I’m not used to it. I tried to kick both corners powerfully. I was lucky to be given a second chance, I corrected my kick and it was a goal. But I wanted to do something so much… not to show off, I wanted to touch the ball”.

On Wednesday, Frédéric Antonetti said he was « very happy » to see Lemoine return, “for him and even for us, as we need him”. The Rennes manager would probably not have thought to be that right, or maybe not that soon.