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Gerets Returns to Marseille as Olympique de Marseille Celebrates 125th Anniversary
A beloved figure is set to grace the Vélodrome stadium as Olympique de Marseille (OM) prepares to celebrate a milestone.
Nostalgia will fill the air Friday evening as OM commemorates its 125th birthday with an event highlighted by a match featuring former club legends.
Among the dozens of prominent players scheduled to appear, former coach Eric Gerets will also be present. The Belgian manager, who coached the team in the late 2000s, remains a popular personality among Marseille fans.

Gerets managed OM from September 2007 to June 2009. Known for his fiery temperament adn commitment to attacking soccer, Gerets quickly won over the Vélodrome crowd.
Gerets’ Message to OM Supporters: “I Love You!”
Despite ongoing health issues, Gerets will travel to Marseille for the anniversary celebration.He expressed excitement about returning to a critically important chapter in his career.
“I’m too happy to come back to Marseille for this legends match,” Gerets said. “I was already there last year (for OM-PSG in March 2024), and I swear I had chills. Real chills! Today, I still have the idea of reviewing a lot of my former players. It gives me a pleasure that you cannot imagine; it is as if I came home, even if I only spent two years in Marseille.”
Gerets added, “I try to hang on; there are ups and downs, but no longer, I have to admit. But I’m alive, and I’m coming to Marseille on Friday! I have one thing to say to OM supporters: I love you!”
The message from Gerets, nicknamed the Lion of Rekem, is sure to resonate with Marseille supporters.
# Gerets Returns to Marseille: Celebrating 125 years of Olympique de Marseille
## What’s teh Occasion at Olympique de Marseille?
Olympique de Marseille (OM) is celebrating its 125th anniversary! This milestone is being commemorated with a special event at the Vélodrome stadium.
## when is the Celebration Happening?
The celebration is scheduled for Friday evening.
## Who is Eric Gerets and Why is He important to OM?
Eric Gerets is a former coach of Olympique de Marseille. He managed the team from September 2007 to june 2009. He’s a very beloved figure among the fans.
## what Makes Eric Gerets so Popular with the Marseille Fans?
Gerets quickly won over the Vélodrome crowd due to his fiery temperament and commitment to attacking soccer.
## What Can Fans Expect at the 125th Anniversary Event?
The event will feature a match with former club legends. This will be a nostalgic event!
## which Other Prominent Figures Will Be Present?
Dozens of prominent players are scheduled to appear including former coach Eric Gerets will also be present.
## What is Eric Gerets’ Message to the OM Supporters?
Gerets’ message to OM fans is simple and heartfelt: “I love you!” He is nicknamed the Lion of Rekem.
## Has Gerets Been Back to Marseille Recently?
yes, Gerets was in Marseille last year for the OM-PSG match in march 2024. He spoke of having chills during the match.
## Why is Gerets Traveling to Marseille Despite Health issues?
Gerets is traveling to Marseille for the anniversary celebration because it represents an important chapter in his career. He expressed that he is “too happy” to be there.
## What Did Gerets Say About Returning to Marseille?
Gerets said, “I’m too happy to come back to Marseille for this legends match… it is as if I came home, even if I onyl spent two years in Marseille.”
## How Would You Summarize Eric Gerets’ Time at OM?
Here’s a fast summary:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Years Managed | September 2007 - June 2009 |
| Known For | Fiery temperament, commitment to attacking soccer |
| Impact | Quickly won over the Vélodrome crowd |
