“Memories engraved forever”: Héraultais Leandro Morante looks back on the rise of FC Martigues in Ligue 2

Le défenseur héraultais va retrouver la Ligue 2. Midi Libre – RICHARD DE HULLESSEN

The central defender born in Montpellier and trained at AS Béziers won promotion to Ligue 2 at the end of last week with FC Martigues.

Leandro Morante, how did you feel last weekend when you were officially promoted to Ligue 2?< /p>

To be honest, I don’t really know what was going through my head at that moment (laughs). It was completely crazy. There were a lot of people at the stadium, the atmosphere was exceptional. When the match ended, all the pressure that we had accumulated over the last few weeks suddenly came down. In addition, as Martigues is not very far from home, I was lucky to have several of my loved ones by my side. Having already experienced a rise in Ligue 2 with Béziers, even if I was a little further behind that year, it’s something extraordinary. These are moments and memories engraved forever.

D’as much as you were up against the wall, after the defeat a few days earlier against Dijon ?

Yes, totally. We really felt indebted. But it’s like this team. Throughout the season, we never gave up. Even when our backs were against the wall, the group was able to find the resources and the character to quickly bounce back.

Were you thinking about the professional world and Ligue 2 when you were still in Béziers ?

I was thinking about it and hoping for it, but I probably didn't believe it strongly enough deep down. I am convinced that the stages I have gone through recently have allowed me to build myself differently. I have changed a lot in my approach to the profession of footballer, I have gained in maturity. Everything I experienced in Béziers, Châteauroux or Bourg-en-Bresse allowed me to strengthen myself. I believe that today, I arrive at the right time to cross the threshold.

You are not the only regional member of the club, Grégory Scaffa (ex Sète and Lattes) is also on Grégory Poirier’s staff.

Yes, absolutely. I already played a few times against Scaff (sic) when I was at ASB. And for the record, we both talked about a Coupe de l’Hérault final that he had lost, as coach of Lattes, against Béziers. He was telling me about a guy in midfield with a big shock of hair. It was me, but he didn’t recognize me (laughs). Besides, I remember that I scored that day!

A lot has changed since then. What does your journey inspire you??

Oh yes, I went through all the emotions. There was my first professional contract, the discovery of Ligue 2, but also relegations and complicated seasons. I am already very proud of everything I have been able to do, even if I hope that this is still just the beginning.

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