Piraeus (Greece) (AFP)

Happy who like Ulysse had a great trip, Mathieu Valbuena blossoms in his new life in Greece. Far from the controversies, the Frenchman posted a great success with his club Olympiakos, opposed Thursday to Arsenal in the round of 32 first leg of the Europa League (21:00).

Is it Greece that succeeds in Valbuena or Valbuena that succeeds in Greece? Probably a bit of both. Obviously, the transplant between "Petit Vélo" and Piraeus has been successful.

The one whose name in France is still associated with the sextape affair in which his former teammate Karim Benzema is notably implicated, now enjoys happy and peaceful days on the Greek coasts and appears as a providential man for the Olympiakos. .

Since arriving in late May from Fenerbahçe, Valbuena, 35, has scored 8 goals, all from the penalty spot, and has often made the difference for the Piraeus club. Latest feat in arms: three assists in the victory against Lamia (3-2) Wednesday in the quarter-finals of the Greek Cup.

So much so that the former Bleu (52 caps between 2010 and 2015), which had originally signed for a year, should stay a little longer in the Greek port.

- "A gift for us" -

"I obtained an oral agreement with the president," the player at Mega, owned by club boss Vangelis Marinakis, said on Monday.

"We had a discussion about extending my contract for an additional year, to stay at Olympiakos. I am very proud of it, very happy," added the former Lyon player (2015-2017) and Marseille (2006-2014).

A prospect that delights his coach, Pedro Martins.

"Valbuena is very happy to be at Olympiakos," said the Portuguese technician. "He made the difference in the team thanks to his qualities and his excellent performances. He is a good player, he has a good year, he has fun and as he told me, he is happy here."

With 18 assists, the Frenchman has made a place for himself in the hearts of his teammates.

"We all know what Mathieu’s passes can do. (...) It’s like a gift for all of us. It’s something wonderful. It’s really very important to have him on our team and we can easily score goals thanks to his performances, "said Senegalese Pope Abou Cisse.

A role in which the 1m67 midfielder, nicknamed "Little Bike" for his hyper-activity on the ground and his ability to sneak around, recognizes to flourish fully.

"I love making assists. I have said in the past that I like passing more than scoring. I like to see my teammates scoring goals," enthuses the native of Bruges (Gironde).

- The Europa League in the crosshairs -

Forgotten the time when several fans of the Greek club questioned the arrival of the French, considered aging.

Today, it is difficult to find someone who does not agree that Valbuena is the reference player for the Olympiakos this year.

"The Frenchman, aged 35, (...) shows that his talent is always at the top," recently wrote the website of supporters of the Piraeus club, gavros.gr.

"Valbuena always plays 100% and brings quality to the team (...). He offers passion, gives mental stimulation and pushes his teammates to levels that elevate the whole Olympiakos", perhaps we read.

The Frenchman received the ovation from Greek supporters last September during the Champions League match against Tottenham, where he scored the equalizer (2-2).

"Our supporters are spectacular and hearing them shout my name is a wonderful feeling," said Valbuena.

If the course of the Greek club in C1 is now over, it continues in the Europa League, with the shock against Arsenal Thursday. A great opportunity for Mathieu Valbuena to remember the memory of Europe in football.

© 2020 AFP