Ernesto Gianella, former figure of the OAC and Nîmes Olympique, died near Alès at the age of 83

Ernesto Gianella died in Euzet at the age of 83. DR

The former professional football player, who played for many first division clubs in the 60s and 70s, died in Euzet-les-Bains, near Alès, at the age of 83.

His name undoubtedly brings back memories of loyal supporters of the time who have since become better with time.

Born in Argentina, Ernesto Gianella, a former footballer who played as a striker, died on Friday, January 3, in Euzet near Alès, at the age of 83.

A career as a globetrotter passing through Nîmes and Alès

Born in 1941 in Buenos Aires, Ernesto Gianella arrived in France in 1961, where he played one season in Nice, then a team in the first division. A rare occurrence in professional football at the time, he played for over 10 years at a number of French elite clubs, including Stade de Reims and Monaco.

After spending several years at Béziers, then in D2, he joined Nîmes Olympique in 1967 and, at the time, participated in the Gard club's promotion to D1 in 1968. He stayed there until 1970 and was even the Crocos' top scorer in the 1968-1969 season.

Then, after a spell at Aix, then Châteauroux and Tarascon, he joined Olympique d'Alès in Cévennes in 1973, then in division 3, where he ended his professional career in 1975. He remained, until his death, in the region of the capital of the Cévennes, where he founded a family. Ernesto Gianella then ended his life in an Ehpad in Euzet-les-Bains, affected by Alzheimer's disease.

His funeral will take place this Thursday, December 9, at 10 a.m., in the Saint-Joseph church, rue Michelet, in Alès. Midi Libre would like to offer its sincere condolences to his family and close entourage.