Anthony Dauvergne, Olympique Saumur goalkeeper.

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Philippe Naudin

  • Olympique de Saumur (N3), who eliminated La Montagnarde in the round of 16 of the Coupe de France on Saturday, is the smallest of the competition.

  • In the cage of the Saumur training, Anthony Dauvergne, a former PSG training center.

  • For several years, he has been an insurance advisor to professional footballers such as Juan Bernt or Santamaria.

His mobile has not stopped ringing since Saturday, but Anthony Dauvergne has made it a point of honor to respond to all media that request him.

"I take the time to savor moments like that," says the man who was the great hero of Olympique Saumur, collector of the Montagnarde (R1) on penalties on Saturday and new small thumb for the round of 16 of the Coupe de France.

You might only experience this once in your life.

I know it's going to come down again so we have to take advantage of it.

You have to live it and enjoy it.

"

For the club of Maine-et-Loire, resident of N3, this qualification is historic.

It is also for this goalkeeper, aged 32 on March 15, who is participating in his 8th season at Olympique Saumur FC.

Anthony Dauvergne flirted with the professional world… “I spent five years at the PSG training center and I was a pro trainee.

Then the door closed on his fingers.

"It's not a lack of luck, but a lack of talent ..." he breathes without any acrimony.

Insurance advisor to Parisian Juan Bernat

In Paris, Anthony is part of the 1989 generation with N'Gog, Sakho, Sankharé.

He even became champion of France with Mulumbu, Chantôme, Mabiala or even Mavinga.

His “shattered dream”, he then signed to Dieppe in CFA 2. “A very complicated return to normal”.

Only one year in Normandy then three at Châtellerault in CFA 2. In 2013, "with a reconversion project behind", he joined Saumur, a club he has not left since.

Today, after having flirted with the professional world, he is familiar with it, but off the pitch.

“I am an insurance broker, I created my firm [Olympe Conseil] two years ago.

And I have an "insurance and provident fund for professional footballers" branch [in the event of injuries, accidents, etc.].

The Saumur goalkeeper combines “his passion with his professional retraining”.

He does not take himself for a heritage advisor and even less for a players' agent.

"I do not touch the money," repeats the one who has as clients Juan Bernat, Santamaria, Abergel and "a company from Varane".

For the investment of their money, they are surrounded by tax specialists.

I don't want to be tied to all of this.

I serve as the link between the insurance company and the player.

"

He nevertheless claims to have "a real proximity" with his customers.

“They know they can call me at any time of the day, I'll answer them.

When the former Angevin Baptiste Santamria joined Friborg in September, Anthony had "everything prepared in case of need" at the time of departure.

"We had insured his new contract if there had been the slightest problem on the train ..."

"Our pro contract to us"

This Monday evening, Saumur will know his opponent.

“The PSG would be the pinnacle, admits this father.

I would have liked to play against Brest or Lorient because I have clients there… ”But the two Breton clubs fell this weekend.

This Monday, Anthony Dauvergne returned to work.

Like every Monday.

"I said to referee Mr. Stinat before the shootout on Saturday: 'You know, whatever happens, I'll go to work on Monday morning ...'.

A few minutes later, the Saumur goalkeeper stopped a decisive shot on goal ... Two shots on goal later, Saumur was in the round of 16.

“I got home at 4pm on Sunday after doing a 4th half.

I was happy as a kid.

It's extraordinary what we're going through.

For many of us in the team, this qualification for the round of 16 is our professional contract!

"

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