One among a long list of Newcastle flops originating from France, Sylvain Marveaux has finally found a project where he gets to enjoy his football.
Spending five very long years at St James’ Park, the winger didn’t make a single appearance under either Steve McClaren or Rafa Benitez last season before moving on a free to Lorient in Ligue 1.
Talking to local newspaper Le Télégramme about his time in England, the player admitted to learning a lot in the north of England, even if he didn’t play as much as he wanted (only 57 appearances over five years).
He said: “It was an experience, an opportunity that I don’t regret at all. It’s also good to try something else, you don’t realise how high the level is. That’s what makes the difference between a good player and a great one.
“The last year, I didn’t play at all. I was waiting to find a club and an environment where I would have my chance. To be a part of it all every weekend. Lorient was my first contact and it stuck straight away.”
Now 30, and with a lot to prove having played so little during what should have been the prime of his career at Newcastle, the player is just glad to actually impact a team.
Since Marveaux has started to appear regularly following an abductor niggle, Lorient, who started the season terribly, have picked up a few good results, and that, as well as scoring goals again, can only make the forward a happy man.
