The French playmaker was dazzling in Roma’s 3-0 win against Palermo – one of only a few league appearances since rejecting Newcastle United in 2014.
If any player epitomises the harsh reality of professional football, it’s Clement Grenier. The world was at his feet as little as three years ago but one fateful decision had an irreparable impact on his burgeoning career.
Rejecting a £10 million move to Newcastle United in January 2014 to replace compatriot Yohan Cabaye may be Grenier’s sliding doors moment, as reported by The Express. The playmaker’s agent stated that he wanted to remain with Ligue 1 giants Lyon because he felt a sudden move may impact his chances of featuring in the World Cup in six months time.
In a cruel twist of fate, however, a hamstring injury meant he was forced to pull out of Didier Deschamps’ 23-man squad just six days before the festival of football kicked off in Brazil.
He hasn’t played for his country since. In truth, he hasn’t played much for anyone since. In fact, his surprise start in Roma’s 3-0 win at Palermo on Sunday was only his 24th league appearance since the beginning of 2015/16 and his second after joining the Serie A giants on loan in January.
His performance against the doomed strugglers, however, was nothing short of a masterclass. His sublime, no-look assist for Stephan El Shaawary’s opener will hog the headlines and rightly so but his overall display was one of sheer, natural-born brilliance.
Winning the ball back with tenacity and distributing it will precision and vision, Grenier produced four key passes while offering a stark reminder of what could have been had injuries not cruelly stunted his progress.
Just imagine what he could have achieved at Newcastle United. If his fitness had remained intact, David Ginola may have had a challenger for Tyneside’s favourite Frenchman.
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