We asked one of Mile Sterjovski’s former clubs, LOSC Lille, to share their memories of the attacking ace. Here’s what they had to say…
Mile Sterjovski (blue) playing against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the UEFA Champions League
He has enjoyed a career steeped in glory, and on Saturday Mile Sterjovski-s achievements in football will be recognised at Central Coast Stadium when the Mariners host Western Sydney Wanderers.
Ahead of Mile-s final regular season match at Gosford-s idyllic bayside arena, Ben O’Neill got in touch with one of our attacker-s former clubs, French Ligue 1 outfit LOSC Lille, to gather their memories of their ex-player.
Thanks to LOSC-s Brand & Communication Director, Aurélien Delespierre, we-ve secured testimonials from three key men from the Stade Pierre Mauroy – Delespierre himself, Chairman and CEO Michael Seydoux, and one of Mile-s former teammates, goalkeeper Grégory Wimbée.
Mile transferred from Parramatta Power to LOSC Lille in 2000, and played in Europe until 2009 enjoying spells in France, Switzerland, Turkey and England.
Michel Seydoux – Chairman and CEO of LOSC Lille
“When I took over the presidency of LOSC in 2002, Mile was already part of the team. I remember him as an important player of LOSC – of a team that was able to surpass and outperform to reach competitive goals that we did not imagine at that time. Still today, no supporter of Lille has forgotten his great double scored against Paris Saint-Germain (2-0, 13/12/2000). I also know that Mile is attached to France and the city of Lille. Let me issue him with an invitation to attend one of our games at Stade Pierre Mauroy.”
Grégory Wimbée – Former team mate at LOSC Lille
“I am very happy and proud to have been part of the same adventure as Mile with LOSC. We lived such great moments. I remember him as a nice guy, easy going and smiling. He was very popular within the squad. I think it is impossible to get angry with Mile. On the pitch, he was a disciplined player, technical and excellent in front of the goal. As a goalkeeper, I-m in a good position to know that! A memory? His fantastic headed goal against Paris Saint-Germain, for the coach Vahid Halihodzic-s very last game (1-0, 04/05/02). I will not fail to greet him on Twitter and hope to see him soon in Lille.”
Aurélien Delespierre – Brand & Communication Director at LOSC Lille
“I first liked Mile as a LOSC Lille fan, before joining myself the club a year after him. Quickly, we hung out in the same neighbourhood called “Vieux Lille”, at the same places and with the same bunch of friends, especially as we are from the same generation. I remember those moments spent at Café Oz, a small part of Australia where the English-speaking community of Lille meets. Beyond the great player he was for LOSC, Mile is, before everything, a simple, genuine guy and with whom I have always been happy to keep in touch with. At the time of hanging up his boots, I want to congratulate him for his whole career, and wish him well in his future endeavours.”
Central Coast Mariners vs. Western Sydney Wanderers – Hyundai A-League 2013/14 Round 25
Saturday 29 March 2014
Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Kick-off: 5:30pm
Gates open: 4:30pm
Tickets: Please click here to purchase tickets to the match
Twitter: Join the match conversation on Twitter using #CCMvWSW & #ThanksMile
