Lens (AFP)

"RC Lens has lost its guide" according to Gervais Martel: a last moving tribute was made on Tuesday to Daniel Leclercq, the "Druid" who led the artesian club to the title of champion of France in 1998.

The church Saint-Léger Lens was packed when the ceremony began late afternoon. Anonymous, fans, former players and also personalities of French football filled the building's spans.

Among the 400 or so people who attended the Mass were several French football personalities such as former coaches Gérard Houiller and Roger Lemerre, former international Jean-Michel Larqué or the President and General Manager of the LFP Nathalie Boy de la France. Tour and Didier Quillot.

Many heroes of the title of champion of France 1998, the only conquered by the Blood and Gold, also had to greet the memory of their former coach: Jean-Guy Wallemme, Eric Sikora, Guillaume Warmuz, Frederic Déhu, Mickael Debève, Karim Ziani or Yoann Lachor, who scored the goal of the coronation in Auxerre on the last day.

Even the sun had decided to be part of this tribute. Failing to warm the hearts on this icy day, it allowed more than 200 people to watch the ceremony broadcast on a giant screen outside the church.

The speeches of the relatives followed one another, with in particular the short but touching message pronounced by one of the grandsons of Daniel Leclerc. The most awaited and striking will undoubtedly remain that delivered by Gervais Martel, historical president of RC Lens.

"It's a part of us going away, he was a fabulous person, he was very demanding with himself and also with others, he had a dirty temper but also a lot of humor", said the former boss of the Sang et Or.

- "The show must go on" -

"He brought pride back to people and brought them a lot of happiness, and happiness is something you can not replace," added Martel, who once again told a few anecdotes about the "Druid", like when he had left the field in the middle of a game of tennis against him because he thought his president was cheating!

"+ The show must go on +, as we say, we will continue to play, and we will go back to Ligue 1! I am sure he will help us", launched Gervais Martel, very moved, in conclusion of his poignant speech, under a thunder of applause.

Outside, the crowd also applauded. Many supporters who could not enter the church were keen to follow the ceremony.

"He brought so much happiness to Lens with the title of 1998. I was young but I still remember it was the symbol of this title, it made us vibrate, I felt the need to be there it was very moving, "told AFP Emilie, a 27-year-old Lensoise wrapped in a gray down jacket and a Sang et Or scarf.

In the church, the mass was completed by the diffusion of the emblematic song of RC Lens, The Corons of Pierre Bachelet. Then the audience came to bow before a large photo and a jersey of the Druid while resounded "Because you leave" Jean-Jacques Goldman.

The tribute continued in the evening at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, where the RCL welcomed Chambly for the 17th day of L2. Some personalities present at the church stepped on the lawn with a portrait of Daniel Leclercq, who was brandished by Roger Lemerre as the fans chanted the name of the "Druid".

© 2019 AFP