Mikaël SILVESTRE

Mikaël Silvestre is one of the proudest products of Stade Rennais Academy system. On 23rd March 1996, Le Milinaire gave him his debut in the First Division for one minute in place of Le Pen at the end of a mad victory over Bordeaux (4-3). U18 European Champion along with Bigné and Dabo, this left-sided defender was given his first start in another memorable match against Paris Saint Germain (2-1 win) in October 1996. Used on 18 occasions by Colleu in the 1996/1997 season, he became first-choice the following season under David. The cousin of French international Franck Silvestre, made 35 appearances in the starting line-up, and it was he who provided the key pass for Diawara, who scored the goal which kept Rennes in the First Division at Toulouse in a crucial 1-0 win. On an apprentice professional contract, he refused to sign as a professional in Rennes, and joined Inter Milan with Dabo. After a long-running scandal, Inter Milan were eventually forced to pay 2.13 Million Euros in compensation to Rennes for the future winner of the Confederations Cup in 2001 and 2003 with France. After a prestigious career with Manchester United and Arsenal, he returned to Rennes in 2015 as an advisor for President Ruello.