As the years go by, the talent of the French international (35 caps) remains intact. Since signing for Stade Rennais F.C., 38-year-old Steve Mandanda has made 67 appearances for the Rouge et Noir - including 20 clean sheets - and played a key role in the team's 4th place finish in Europe last season. His record at the highest level is impressive: 759 games in all competitions.
Now settled in Brittany with his family, the SRFC captain has extended his contract until June 2025.
Steve Mandanda :
« I still feel like it, I feel good. I'm very happy to be here. I want to repay the trust that the directors have placed in me. Quite honestly, I'm not thinking about longevity. I try to enjoy every moment and not think about the future. All my family are very happy here. We feel very much at home in this town and in this region. I never thought I'd get this far, but the conditions are right for me to continue. I'm making sure that I'm still here today. As soon as you're happy to get up in the morning, go to training and play at the weekend, it's because you still want to and are enjoying yourself. The aim is to keep enjoying it and win as many games as possible with Stade Rennais. I hope there are some great things to come. It's natural and easy to work with this group, because it's a quality one, and it's very respectful and attentive. I try to give my all to the team and the club. All that means that there was a shared desire to continue together. »
Olivier Cloarec, Président Exécutif – Directeur Général :
« It's a real pleasure to extend Steve's contract. From day one, he has blended in perfectly with our project and continues to perform at a very high level. He sets an example with the work he puts in every day and his positive attitude. So it's a logical and natural decision, and a joy to be able to count on a player of his stature. »
Florian Maurice, Directeur technique :
« With everything he's contributed on and off the pitch, it seemed logical to continue the adventure. It's important to have a player of his quality and experience in the squad. His natural presence and his day-to-day work are important for the dressing room. He talks a lot with the group and the staff, and he's also an important link for the club's management. In football, top-level athletes are increasingly pushing back the age limits, and this is even truer for goalkeepers. We based our decision on the player's physical and psychological fitness. You have to have a good head and be fresh if you want to keep performing at the top level. He said he wanted to continue because he feels good here. Everything was in place for us to continue together. »
