The famous Marseille goalkeeper and the winner of the 2018 World Cup with France, Steve Mandanda, has signed a two-year contract with Rennes, the latter announced yesterday, Wednesday, after he reached an agreement to terminate his contract with the runners-up in the French League.
Mandanda has spent most of his career in Marseille, playing 613 matches, a record, since arriving from Le Havre in 2007.
In his statement, Ren noted that Mandanda “chosen his new base and signed a two-year contract with Ren.”
For his part, Marseille said in a statement: “He and Steve Mandanda have decided to take two separate paths by mutual agreement. Marseille FC would like to extend its sincere thanks to Steve for everything he has done for the club.”
The 37-year-old was contracted to Marseille until 2024, but he spent most of last season as a replacement for Spaniard Pau Lopez.
According to a source close to the case, Mandanda underwent a medical examination in Rennes on Wednesday before his transfer was completed.
He will compete with Senegalese international goalkeeper Alfred Gomez to play a key role in Rennes.
Mandanda participated in 34 international matches with France as a substitute goalkeeper for Hugo Lloris.
The Kinshasa-born goalkeeper helped Marseille win its last nine Ligue 1 titles in 2010.
Mandanda joined Crystal Palace on a free transfer in 2016 but returned to the Mediterranean club a year later.