VIDEO. “The equivalent of Guy Noves”, “you become a legend”… a look back at Patrice Canayer’s farewell evening at the MHB

Un dernier match avant les adieux au FDI Stadium et au Montpellier Handball. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

There were many who came one after the other to testify to what Patrice Canayer represents for the city and the club, this Friday, May 31 during the last of the historic manager of Montpellier Handball.

Gregory Anquetil (former MHB player) :"Patrice when we decided to give you a gift, we contacted all the former players. In 48 hours, we had 52 come forward. What stuck out the most was that we spent a lot of time with you, probably more than with our families at the time. It hasn’t always been easy. Today, I realize that if you hadn't been there, we wouldn't have won all these titles with the French team either. With you and the elders we became men."

Un time-out exceptionnel pour un homme qui le mérite tant @CanayerP .
15 années passées avec lui , je suis marqué à jamais par cet homme hors du commun.@mhbofficiel @ffhandball @EHF_Activities @BanaPhilippe @RasmusBoysen92 pic.twitter.com/DKEQgnDCwg

— Remy Levy (@Remy_Levy) June 1, 2024

Gérard Didier (president of the Blue Fox): "We have been supporting and working with you for thirty years, we have shared a lot of joy, sadness or frustration. All these titles won and in particular the two Champions Leagues (2003, 2018) have made us we spoiled children. You have gathered a loyal and knowledgeable audience. Even if there were sometimes tensions and misunderstandings, history will only remember the best. Tonight, great respect for this magnificent work. You become a legend."

André Deljarry (representative of the shareholders) :"You gave us thirty years of your life. I am proud to have been part of this journey with you for 10 years. When we went through difficult times, we came together to keep this club alive. When we see this evening, we can say that we are experiencing a very great moment.  Patrice, you honored us, you made us vibrate. Outstanding tactician, fabulous trainer. We will be able to keep this temple, the values ​​that you have instilled for thirty years. You have written the most beautiful pages of this club with us, you are the legend of handball. Hats off to the artist."

Carole Delga (president of the Occitanie Region) : "Life is a succession of adventures . It’s a beautiful adventure of thirty years of commitment that comes to an end, you are the equivalent of a Guy Noves in Toulouse. You have brought this club to a level that makes the population of Montpellier, of the Region, dream."

🙏 Patrice Canayer au Hall of Fame du MHB 🙌 pic.twitter.com/dYCfgjroLt

— HandNews (@HandNewsfr) May 31, 2024

Kléber Mesquida (president of the Department): "You said it’s not the emotion that matters but the path that leads to the emotion. You brought us thirty years of emotions, 42 emotions, like so many titles."

Michaël Delafosse (mayor of Montpellier) : "You are at the center and in the heart of’ a town. You made Montpellier the most successful city in France. You put 2 stars in the sky of this city. An exceptional track record which makes us ask this question: who will equal Patrice Canayer? You were the man of all matches. You acquire a very special status, you become the legend of the city of Montpellier. Like Atlas you carried the hand ball and all the titles."

Julien Deljarry (president of the MHB): "We won't be able to give you as much as what you gave for the club. But we have to try. We have had an extraordinary thirty years, I hope that we will be inspired to write the next thirty. We wanted to symbolize the unwavering bond between the MHB and Patrice Canayer. What you gave to the club must stay here forever."

Patrice Canayer surrounded by his loved ones and his family. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

With Gérard Didier, the historic president of the Blue Fox supporters group. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

In the company of his family and elected officials. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

A hug with David Degouy, his deputy, also leaving to manage Nîmes next year. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

The emotion with Diego Simonet and the players. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

A guard of honor and love for the last one. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

One minute from the end of the match, a timeout, set by Rémi Desbonnet, and a cheer from the entire room. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

With Grégory Anquetil, one of his former players and member of the 2003 European champion team. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

Patrice Canayer will be the first to inaugurate the hall of fame created by the MHB to honor its alumni. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh