From the Guardian · · 1m 30s
Malard aims to become legend with Bompastor at Chelsea
Melvine Malard, the French footballer from Réunion island, reunites with manager Sonia Bompastor at Chelsea after moving from Manchester United to chase Champions League glory.
In brief
Melvine Malard, the French footballer from Réunion island, reunites with manager Sonia Bompastor at Chelsea after moving from Manchester United to chase Champions League glory. Malard wants to win a Champions League title with Chelsea to become a legend, following her reunion with former manager Bompastor. Originally…
Reunion reunion
Melvine Malard left Réunion island to join Sonia Bompastor at Lyon, now they reunite at Chelsea.
“I will never forget Manchester United. They helped me make a change in my life when I really needed change.”
Champions League dream
Malard aims to win a Champions League title with Chelsea to become a legend, following her reunion with Bompastor.
“I want to write my name on a new page, but not any page, a page you remember.”
From island to Stamford Bridge
Malard grew up on Réunion, a small island east of Madagascar, and moved to France at 14 to join Bompastor.
“It’s a little island with a lot of people smiling, good life and good food.”
Bompastor’s influence
Bompastor and her assistant Camille Abily guide Malard’s development as legendary players with deep football knowledge.
“Sonia is also a legendary player, [her assistant and partner] Camille Abily also. They played football, they know football.”
Chelsea debut
Malard scored in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Birmingham and featured in the 1-0 win over Austria Vienna.
“It felt good, very good.”
Arsenal derby
Malard prepares to face Arsenal in a London derby at Stamford Bridge, her first major test with Chelsea.
“All players want to play this game. You train hard for these games against big teams in big stadiums.”
Family pride
Malard credits her family and fans for her happiness, saying she smiles because of their support.
“I smile because of those things, because I’m happy.”
Champions League path
Malard scored in qualifying for the Champions League, helping Chelsea advance with a 5-2 win over Real Sociedad.
“I made the difference with the score at 2-2 by scoring the first of her two goals 12 minutes later.”
Ballon d'or nomination
Malard is a Ballon d’Or nominee, highlighting her impact as a Chelsea player.
“It’s for that reason that I’m here. I don’t want to lose any time in my career.”
The bottom line
Malard wants to win a Champions League title with Chelsea to become a legend, following her reunion with former manager Bompastor.
