Julien ESCUDÉ

Julien Escudé arrived at Stade Rennais FC in the Summer of 1999 from Cannes. This left-footer, who had had a spell with Olympique Lyonnais, progressively became an integral part of the team. At the beginning of the season, Diatta, Sommeil, Arribagé and Reveillère had all been ahead of him, but the defender’s versatility in central defence or at full back helped him to make the breakthrough in the top flight, playing 24 matches. Manager Le Guen in particular appreciated his serious approach and his technical ability, and made him an undisputed first choice player at left-back as of the 2000/2001 season. The French U21 international, nicknamed « Scud » continued to blossom under Gourcuff, and attracted the interest of Manchester United. He lost his battle of wills against the club, and ended up staying – against his will – for another season in Brittany. This was to be a season too much for him unfortunately, and he struggled (like the entire team under Bergeroo and then Halilhodzic) when he was pushed into service as a centre back. He left Rennes on a free transfer at the end of his contract in July 2003, and became the first French player to sign for Ajax Amsterdam.