MANCHESTER UNITED

Gabriel Obertan, who played with Newcastle United, has signed with Charlotte Independence, where he is reunited with his best friend, Newcastle teammate and fellow Frenchman Sylvan Marveaux.

Gabriel Obertan reunited with his best friend in Charlotte.

The 32-year-old French midfielder signed with the Charlotte Independence on Aug. 19, joining 35-year-old countryman Sylvain Marveaux, who plays the same position. A decade after they met as Newcastle United teammates in the English Premier League, they find themselves on the same side again. Obertan signed with Newcastle from Manchester United in England and Marveaux joined the club from Rennes in France’s Ligue 1. They had friends in common but did not really know each other.

“We just clicked,” Marveaux said. “Since then, I think he’s one of my best friends, maybe my best friend. It’s really rare in football to be so close with a player, but it’s a great thing that we can be reunited.”

After Newcastle, their careers went in different directions. Marveaux returned to France before landing in USL Championship. Obertan spent time in Russia with Anzhi Makhachklala, Wigan Athletic in England’s second division, Levski Sofia in Bulgaria and most recently Erzurumspor in Turkey. They kept in contact, vacationing with their families together during the offseason.

“I am older than him, so I am supposed to be the wiser [one], the one who tries to give advice,” Marveaux said with a smile. “He is a really mature guy for his age. He has always been [that way]. We always try to help each other. It’s not only about football, but all the things we go through in life in general.”

Obertan was on the European season schedule, meaning the summer holiday was in full swing. He visited Marveaux, who was in-season with the Independence. Assistant coach Brian Haynes recognized him and the team allowed him to train with them.

“Brian recognized me, and I love training,” Obertan said. “I was tired of going to the gym and being by myself.”

After a few days of training, head coach and general manager Mike Jeffries asked Obertan if he wanted to stay. Like Marveaux, he had been interested in playing in the United States for a while.

“It was the right moment for me to come and try my chance here,” Obertan said.

Family focus
Players are not always able to be with family during the season, as they may be based elsewhere, but Obertan’s family has been with him the whole time, even in Turkey during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. His 2-year-old daughter prefers the three weeks in Charlotte.

“The past year was difficult with COVID and the restrictions in Turkey,” Obertan said. “It was hard for her to socialize and see kids. Now it’s easier, and I can see that she is enjoying the playgrounds and all the splash pads.”

Aside from a week in France to obtain his work visa, Obertan has three weeks of training with the Independence. He expects to be match-fit within a matter of days.
“I’d say in about two-three days, I should be fine,” Obertan said.

Jeffries described Obertan as a “very powerful player in addition to being a very technical player.”

Said Jeffries: “He is 32 on paper, but you would never look at him as he plays and say he is 32 years old.”

Looking ahead
Obertan is hesitant to predict the future, but if an opportunity in Major League Soccer presents itself in 2022, he is not opposed to it. Expansion side Charlotte FC, which kicks off its inaugural season then, with three players on loan with the Independence: defenders Christian Fuchs and Adam Armour as well as midfielder Brandt Bronico.

“If the opportunity shows up, why not?” Obertan asked. “I don’t think too far ahead. I’m happy to be here first. Let’s play. Let’s have a feel of the league, the country, living here and then, yes, obviously I’ve played in bigger leagues and if I could go back to a higher level, I would, but it’s a great stepping stone for sure.”

Said Marveaux: “For me personally, I am more at the end of my career, and he’s got a few more years left at the highest level.”

Marveaux said Obertan can be the best when he wants to be, but it comes down to the right motivation.

“He’s big, he’s strong, he’s fast,” Marveaux said. “He can play with the ball at his feet as well. It’s just up to him to show his qualities. He will be a huge help for us.”

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