50 years of MHSC: “toque”, afro and legendary touch, Carlos Valderrama first “megastar” of La Paillade

The eccentric Colombian returned to La Mosson for the club's 40th anniversary in 2014. Midi Libre – DIMOU Alexandre

Ballon d’Or sud-américain, “El Pibe” avait débarqué à Montpellier pour près de 3M€.

En 1988, le Colombien, Ballon d’Or sud-américain, débarquait à Montpellier. Un énorme coup médiatique, une réussite contrastée mais mémorable.

Un hors-série Midi Libre de 84 pages

Condensing half a century of history into 84 pages. This is the challenge taken up by the sports editorial team of Midi Libre in this special edition on the 50th anniversary of the MHSC. Available on newsstands for just 5 euros, this glossy magazine will allow you to relive the great moments in the history of the Montpellier club through our “50” who made the MHSC. Players, coaches and builders, at start with this “Nicollin Saga”, told by Laurent and Colette, the wife of the late Loulou. A special edition full of anecdotes and unpublished photos with an exclusive interview with Olivier Giroud.

An 84-page magazine Free Midday

A white and blue jersey, and above all, a blond, curly tuft of hair. A golden helmet recognizable among all: that of Carlos Valderrama, whose afro, fashionable at the time, once stirred up La Paillade. From 1988 to 1991, the Colombian spent three seasons in Montpellier, contributing with Julio César to putting the club on the world football map. A huge publicity stunt, less successful in sporting terms but remembered in the posterity of an MHSC as the first international “megastar” in its history.

“If it were now, he would never sign for Montpellier, he would go to PSG or a big Italian, Spanish or English club”, replaces Laurent Nicollin. South American Ballon d’Or winner, best player of the 1987 Copa America, Valderrama was not spoiled for choice. Put in touch by Manuel Garcia, already Julio César’s agent, Loulou’s club jumped at the chance to offer the Colombian his baptism in Europe.

“Montpellier ? But what is this thing ?”

Valderrama dreamed of it but the offer from Pailladin initially disconcerted him. “Montpellier ? But what is this thing ?”, he told CanelaTV, a Colombian media outlet, last summer.“There was a map in the office. I looked for Montpellier, continued the former 63-year-old midfielder, laughing, under a mane of hair that was still imposing but now graying. I started looking: Paris, Monaco, Bordeaux, Marseille. But where is this city? ? Then, when I saw a little bit of blue on the atlas, I asked what it was. The sea? ? I'm going over there! »

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Before being sealed for a sum of a dozen million francs (nearly €3 million) over four years, thanks to the help of the General Council of Hérault, the transfer takes the leaders far from the sea. “We had gone to Wembley (in London) for an England-Colombia. There was my father, Bernard Gasset and Michel Mézy, remembers Laurent Nicollin. He had played an extraordinary match. We said to ourselves that we had made a good choice. » “The problem is that it was a bit more complicated with Mosca”, adds the current Montpellier president, who remembers the “mischievous look” of this salsa enthusiast.

Mosca, “toque” and difficult beginnings

Under the orders of coach Pierre Mosca, the first steps are nevertheless far from being feverish. Too slow, too awkward, “El Pibe” (“the kid”) disappoints. “His agent wanted to make so much effort that he took him to Merano for a cure. So, he arrives in Montpellier, he is exhausted. And Mosca did not play him. While he had cost…”, sighs Michel Mézy.

Between 1988 and 1991, Carlos Valderrama played 91 matches (4 goals) in the Pailladin jersey. Midi Libre – Midi Libre

Like Raï at Paris Saint-Germain, the meeting of the South American and French games borders on a culture clash. “This game of “toque” (short and quick passes). At one point, you had the impression that he didn't know how to kick a ball, adds Mézy. He had to be given confidence. But when he was, damn! It was something”.

Also read: 50 years of MHSC: how Laurent Blanc moved back to the libero position with Montpellier, prelude to an extraordinary destiny

The change took place under the leadership of Aimé Jacquet then Mézy, who gave him the keys by moving Laurent Blanc from midfield to defense. “It was an extraordinary vision of the game. A temperament… You might have thought it was gentleness. But far from it, there was character. And hey, he wasn't afraid of anything”, replaces his former coach. “It's a style of football and player that requires that we build the team around them”, considers Nicollin, who does not forget what followed and in particular a high-flying semi-final of the Coupe de France in 1990 in Saint-Étienne. Sent off that day, Valderrama would not take part in the final, won a few weeks later. Like a symbol of this thwarted story.

Empty swimming pool, driving lessons in La Mosson and wishes sent

The title remains. The anecdotes too. From this washing machine that his wife filled with water by hand each time he used it, to this swimming pool that he emptied like a bathtub. Up to these impromptu driving lessons in the La Mosson car park. A neighbour in Saint-Georges-d’Orques, Jean-Louis Gasset is a valuable ally in adapting to French life. Which ended in 1991 after 91 matches and an adventure in the European Cup, which ended on the La Mosson pitch against Manchester United.

Also read: 50 years of the MHSC: Louis Nicollin, the incredible saga of a pack leader who became a triumphant patriarch

A brief experience in Valladolid (1991-1992) and a return to Colombia and then to the United States did not prevent Valderrama from pursuing a golden career, with three World Cups under his belt (1990, 1994, 1998). To be named player of the century for his country (111 caps, 11 goals).

But since his North American retirement, in Miami where he remained in the sport, the “Pibe” has never forgotten La Paillade. Witness these wishes that he sent each year to Loulou Nicollin. “A fabulous guy”, sums up Mézy, who has not forgotten what was hidden behind this golden helmet.

Read also: 50 years of the MHSC: Julio César, the Brazilian emperor of Montpellier's defense

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