In an indescribable atmosphere, Dario Cvitanich was reunited with the Nice fans before the game at home to Paris on Saturday – “an unforgettable night” for the former striker, who struggled to contain his emotions when faced with the displays of affection and respect from the OGC Nice supporters, who were deeply marked by his spell at the club.

“Ohé, ohé, ohé, ohé... Dario, Dario!” The scorer of the first-ever goal at the Allianz Riviera and a former Nice fan favourite was back home last night. Having been invited to say a few words by our stadium announcer, Fabrice Mauro, the former striker found it immensely difficult to express himself.

As the tears fell down the Argentine’s face, the chant started up again, even more loudly this time, from the 34,450 supporters present for the clash against PSG. “You’ll always be in my heart,” the man of the hour finally said from the centre circle. “You’re the most important thing to me, and I’m really happy to see you again. I’d promised to come back and see you. Issa Nissa!”

TAKING HIS CAREER TO EXTRA TIME...

It certainly wasn’t easy to bring back the scorer of 36 goals in 76 games. Why? Because of his love of football – Super Dario decided to take his career to extra time, so to speak, by stretching it out until last spring. Just before his 38th birthday and with 160 goals scored in 476 games, the Baradero native hung up his boots after coming full circle with Banfield, the club that developed him and the only side that he played for more than Les Aiglons. As soon as the news crossed the Atlantic, Virginie Rossetti and the club’s comms team got to work organising a grand reunion with the man who was Nice’s attacking spearhead for two-and-a-half seasons, all with the help of his wife, Chechu Bonelli, who has remained an OGC Nice fan “for life”.

LITTLE DARIOS BORN IN Nice !

“After eight years, I feel the same, at home. This is a homecoming!” he explained to OGC Nice TV between hugs with Jean-Pierre Rivère, Fred Gioria – whom Dario jokingly asked if he had still had a pair of boots going – and all those who were marked by his spell at the club.

The former striker then talked about the reception that he’d been given at a packed-out auditorium at the Musée National du Sport two hours before kick-off – a shared moment during which several fathers stood up to introduce their offspring, all named Dario in his honour. “I met four Darios! It’s incredible. It isn’t a common name… I think that the love that we have is mutual. Nice isn’t just a club for me.” That’s lucky, as Dario was able to see for himself that he’ll always be much more than just a player in the eyes of the Nice fans.

F.H.

Alexandre Debbache (Kick Off Prod)