Maxence Caqueret, the 25-year-old midfielder, has recently opened up about his departure from Olympique Lyonnais (OL) to join Côme in the Serie A, reflecting on the emotional and professional journey that led to his transfer.
In a heartfelt interview with Free on March 20, 2025, Caqueret expressed his profound affection for OL, stating, “L'OL, quoi qu'il arrive, restera toujours le club de ma ville. C'est là où j'ai passé mes plus belles années pour le moment dans ma carrière.” (OL, no matter what, will always be the club of my city. It’s where I've spent the best years so far in my career).
Three months after making his exit from Lyon, where he had been a pivotal player with over 50 consecutive starts, Caqueret discussed the circumstances surrounding his transfer. The shift from being a key player to being benched under coach Pierre Sage was a blow to Caqueret, leading to his desire to seek new challenges. “Ce n'est pas la fin que j'imaginais. Partir sur deux mois sans jouer, ça reste un peu difficile à avaler,” he lamented, emphasizing the difficulty of departing after two months of inactivity.
Despite the challenges of this transitional phase, including not playing, Caqueret maintains respect for his former coach. He recounted positive discussions with Sage, who, while encouraging him, suggested that he must regain his best form before returning to competitive play. “J'ai eu des discussions avec Pierre Sage, qui ont toujours été très bonnes. Il m'a toujours encouragé, il me disait qu'il aimerait bien me faire jouer mais qu'il voulait que je retrouve mon meilleur niveau,” Caqueret remarked.
Leaving OL, where he had dedicated 12 years of his life, was not taken lightly. Caqueret shared his apprehensions about the move, reflecting, “J'appréhendais un peu mon départ de Lyon parce que quand on a fait douze ans dans le même club, le changement peut faire peur. Mais j'étais prêt à partir et c'est ce qui m'a permis de m'adapter rapidement et de passer à autre chose.” (I was a bit apprehensive about leaving Lyon because when you've been in the same club for twelve years, change can be scary. But I was ready to leave, and that helped me adapt quickly and move on.)
As he navigates his new life in Italy, Caqueret has made nine appearances for Côme and contributed two assists, suggesting he is beginning to find his rhythm in Serie A. This fresh start comes as a relief after a difficult conclusion to his Lyon tenure.
Reflecting on his career, it's clear that Caqueret's time at OL shaped him significantly. His journey from the OL academy to the professional ranks, including a notable stint in the Final 8 of the Champions League in 2020, is a testament to his talent and persistence. As he now embraces this new chapter with Côme, he remains grateful for the foundational years he spent at Lyon, recognizing them as critical to his development as a player.
In conclusion, as Maxence Caqueret settles into his role with Côme, he exemplifies the blend of nostalgia and ambition that comes with leaving one's formative club. His journey is a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of football careers, where yesterday's heroes seek fresh opportunities while cherishing their roots.
