Senegalese defender speaks of delight at returning to his first English club following recent charity match
Running out at Macron Stadium for the first time in nine years in last weekend’s Legends Match, Senegalese defender Abdoulaye Faye admitted his delight at returning to a club he still holds close to his heart.
Spending two seasons with the Whites between 2005 and 2007, the now-38-year-old racked up over 70 appearances for the Trotters, playing UEFA Cup football with the club alongside endearing himself to the Bolton faithful for his passionate performances in the heart of defence.
And following the final whistle in Saturday’s charity game, the centre-half said, “I was so glad to be here for this game – it has been a long time, but I have been able to see a lot of ex-players and teammates which is very nice.
“I am very proud to be here and also to see the fans and staff that I met when I was playing here. I was very excited ahead of the game and now I am so happy with how it went.
“It was great to play with the players that I worked with during my time at the club – it can be hard sometimes to keep in touch because in this game people go all over the world.
“To see all those players after such a long time though is fantastic and I am very happy that I have had this opportunity.”
He continued: “It was a great game too – we had a lot of fun and laughed a lot because it was enjoyable. For the fans too, for them to see us all back, it is very nice.”
Reflecting upon his time at the club almost a decade ago, Faye added, “Bolton Wanderers is a club very close to my heart – I still live only five minutes away from the stadium and anytime they want me, I will be here for them.
“This was my first club when I came to England and I will never forget what they did for me.”