Back in competition after almost two years of absence, Presnel Kimpembe did not turn his pleasure on Tuesday after the match against Le Mans.
Presnel Kimpembe finally replayed. On the side since February 26, 2023 due to a serious Achilles tendon injury, the tricolor world champion took advantage of the match of the knockout stages of the French Cup against Le Mans on Tuesday to find the competition, 709 days after his last match.
Replacing at the start, the Parisian central defender came into play in 81e Minute to replace Pacho, Achraf Hakimi rushing to him to give him the captain’s armband. Unsurprisingly, the tricolor international appeared short of pace. After missing his first intervention of the head, he was guilty of an excess of engagement worth a yellow card and showed too lax in his marking at the start of additional time, Matvey Safonov catching up. Not enough obviously to spoil his pleasure.
Presnel Kimpembe, “deliverance”
“There is a lot of emotion. It was a long way and I think that today it was the path to finally free up, resume sensations with the teammates. There are some players, we have been together for a while but I have never played with them. I have a lot of pride, it was long, not easy, but it is a delivery ”, he entrusted to the microphone of France 2 after the meeting, adding: “It’s been a long time since I had emotions like that. She was special. The whole stadium, even the Le Mans supporters, have acclaimed to me. It was warm. »»
“Long months of work, doubts, sacrifices … but never resignation. Tonight, I came back stronger, more determined. Proud to replay under these colors, with this team, for this club. History continues. Thank you all “he added on Instagram while Luis Enrique said “Very happy”. “He fought for two years against his concerns. His physical form improves, he was able to help us. He is a real leader, with a great personality ”he said.
