Standard de Liège Icon Mehdi Carcela Set for Emotional Farewell After 29-Year Journey

Mehdi Carcela’s story with Standard de Liège began in 1994, when he was only 5 years old. He had to wait until 2008 before being named a starter for the first time. His talent and potential earned him a special place in the hearts of the supporters. For many Liège residents, "he is one of them". And he himself enjoys it immensely. Moreover, Carcela has already tried several adventures outside of Standard (Anzhi, Benfica, Granada and Olympiacos), without really finding his place. He has always come back to where it all started.

But as everything that has a beginning has an end, the 32-year-old player’s adventure with his training club is coming to an end, especially since the change at the head of the club. According to the Belgian media, the Moroccan player has little chance of continuing with the Rouches next season. A situation just as difficult for the player as for the supporters. "I have a huge heartache to see Mehdi leave. He has given so much to Standard de Liège. It’s hard to think that he could leave," confides a supporter.

On the list of people who see the player’s departure in a bad light, there is Philippe Albert, a RTBF consultant. "If I were a member of the new management, I would keep this player. He has the talent to make the difference in difficult times. I don’t know if I can get this message across but the management would be making a mistake in letting him go," reports RTBF.

With Standard de Liège, Mehdi Carcela has played more than 300 matches and scored 43 goals. He was able to win a Belgian Championship title, a Portuguese Championship title, two Belgian Cups and two Belgian Super Cups.