Paris (AFP)

Edinson Cavani will remain for a long time the top scorer of PSG in front of the superstars Ibrahimovic, Neymar or Mbappé: failing to announce a contract extension, the Uruguayan is on Wednesday for a secret exit in Paris, where he will leave supporters conquered, failing a European coronation.

The end of his adventure, precipitated by the coronavirus and the stopping of competitions, was not that dreamed by his thousands of fans. But whatever "Ney", "Kyky", or captain Thiago Silva, even when he was a replacement, the darling in Paris is "Edi"!

A time relegated behind rookie Mauro Icardi in the hierarchy of attackers, the Uruguayan (33 years old) managed to remain the favorite of the Parisian public.

With the same scene when it came into play: "Cavani, Cavani" which resound in the turns of the Parc des Princes, always ready to sing a song to its glory on the air of "Demons of midnight".

Last significant episode before this deadline of June 30, synonymous with the end of his contract unless unlikely last minute agreement? His 200th goal scored in front of his audience in late February against Bordeaux (4-3) in the most total fervor and which consecrated him as the best scorer in the history of the club, far ahead of Zlatan Ibrahimovic (156 goals).

"It is magnificent for me. I thank them for the warmth, for the love they give me, in difficult times, in moments of joy," he said, after receiving the tribute from his teammates, supporters and the club, which presented him with a special trophy. A moment that resonates today like a farewell ceremony before time ...

- From awkward to "Matador" -

How to explain such an idyll? "When the Ultras returned to the Park in 2016 (after six years of absence, note), Zlatan Ibrahimovic is no longer there and the man in good shape is Cavani. There is also his simple, accessible side, which has created a real communion ", confides to AFP Philippe Goguet, founder of the Culture PSG site.

An extreme passion that led to one of the most serious controversies since the arrival with great fanfare of Neymar in the summer of 2017: the question of the official shooter of the team's penalties, a "penaltygate" against Lyon in September 2017 that the Brazilian N. 10 will take time to digest ...

However, upon his arrival in 2013 for a sum of EUR 63.5 million, Cavani, crowned with a flattering reputation in Naples, must contend with the imposing shadow of Ibrahimovic, undisputed star of the Qatari project.

Exiled on the left of the attack to leave all the light to "Ibra", the Uruguayan gnaws his brakes without complaining. Whistled for his technical clumsiness, he ends up returning the supporters thanks to a defensive sacrifice and an extraordinary sense of goal. The birth of the "Matador".

Cavani "has never cheated in his physical investment with a gift of self put at the service of the club. With his long hair, he represents well the South American warrior aspect, the famous + grinta +", analyzes Philippe Goguet.

- Hunting, fishing, nature and finishing -

From Laurent Blanc to Thomas Tuchel, all his coaches praise his "super professional" investment.

To the point that his delays after the end of year celebrations spent in Uruguay are quickly forgiven. Like his repeated failures in the Champions League, the only trophy he did not win with Paris.

Discreet about his private life, Cavani is a UFO in the "foot-business" galaxy where the number of "followers" has become as important as individual statistics.

Far from the worldly feasts appreciated by Neymar and his other "Latino" team members, "Edi" is ready to wet the shirt if necessary, even if he prefers to spend his free time in a pond in search of catfish, in Rambouillet or in Salto, his hometown, to "ease the pressure".

An "anti-system" image that he cultivated even during the Paris club's commercial tour in China last summer during an improvised fishing party.

"Fishing is all I like!" He said on the club website. "Fishing is like football. You have to wait for the right moment, the right moment ... like an attacker!"

For the Uruguayan, the time has apparently come to leave PSG. Before, perhaps, meeting Paris on the continental scene in the future, via a last big contract with a large European club?

© 2020 AFP