Paris (AFP)

Top scorer in the history of Paris SG, Edinson Cavani conquered the Parc des Princes and its supporters.

If he left on the sly this summer, the Uruguayan will find his garden with Manchester United, next opponent of PSG in the Champions League on October 20.

He had managed to beat Neymar and Kylian Mbappé in the hearts of the fans.

"Edi" was the darling of the audience, who sang his love to him to the tune of "Midnight Demons" at every game.

But, between the Covid-19 pandemic, his status as a replacement and the aborted negotiations on his extension, the 33-year-old striker left the capital on tiptoe.

The better to find her, a few months later.

A time connected to Atlético Madrid then to Benfica, Cavani finally bounced back among the "Red Devils", opponents of PSG in C1.

The timing is perfect, since the first day, in two weeks, will feature his European debut with MU at the Parc des Princes - where the public should be, due to health restrictions, very few.

The possibility of a Cavani-PSG reunion has already turned social networks upside down, proof of their popularity intact.

One of his last appearances in Paris was at the origin of one of the most beautiful pages in the history of the club.

On February 23, he scored his 200th goal against Bordeaux (4-3), which consecrated it a little more in the Pantheon of Parisian attackers, far ahead of Zlatan Ibrahimovic (156 goals).

- No epic -

"It's wonderful for me. I thank them for the warmth, for the love they give me, in difficult times, in times of joy," he said, after receiving the tribute from his teammates, supporters and the club, who presented him with a special trophy.

A moment that resonates today like a farewell ceremony.

His departure, far from the light, finally looks like this player who has stepped aside to make Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Neymar shine.

Exiled on the left of the attack to make way for "Ibra", the Uruguayan arrived in 2013 chomping on the brakes without complaining.

Hailed for his technical awkwardness, he ended up turning the fans around thanks to a defensive sacrifice and an extraordinary sense of goal.

The birth of the "Matador".

The recruitment of Mauro Icardi, in the summer of 2019, ends up pushing the former Palermo and Naples on the bench, even if it is he who plays the eighth return of C1 against Dortmund (2-0).

Coach Thomas Tuchel wants to keep him, "Edi" would like to stay for several seasons, but his management refuses.

The player does not extend either to live the epic Lisbon in C1, stopped in the final by Bayern (1-0).

Unlike Thiago Silva, Cavani left without saying goodbye to the supporters, who don't hold it against him.

"When the ultras return to the Park in 2016 (after six years of absence, editor's note), Zlatan Ibrahimovic is no longer there and the fit man is Cavani. There is also his simple, accessible side, which has created a real communion, "Philippe Goguet, founder of the Culture PSG site, told AFP in June.

- "Grinta" -

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 the South American warrior aspect, the famous + grinta +", he analyzed.

From Laurent Blanc to Thomas Tuchel, all of 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, and the controversy of the "penaltygate" with Neymar, forgotten.

Like his repeated failures in C1, the only trophy he did not win with Paris.

Discreet about his private life, Cavani is like a UFO in the "foot-business" galaxy.

Far from the social celebrations prized by Neymar and his other “Latino” teammates, “Edi” is ready to wet his 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 "release the pressure".

He will now discover the River Irwell, just behind Old Trafford.

© 2020 AFP