Fabien Causeur, an emotional first match against Real Madrid, « the club of his life »
Nov 7, 2024
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve
Fabien Causeur, an emotional return to Madrid with Milan
EuroLeague - Fabien Causeur faces his former club Real Madrid this Tuesday evening with Milan in EuroLeague. A symbolic match for the Brest native, after seven seasons, 14 titles and nearly 500 games with the White House.
Photo Credit : Olimpia Milano
Seven seasons, 486 games, 14 titles and a life chapter. Fabien Causeur (1.96m, 37 years old) is set to return this Tuesday evening to the WiZink Center, but this time in Milan’s colors. A significant moment for the Breton guard, now an Olimpia player, on EuroLeague’s matchday 31. Beyond the game’s sporting importance, it’s also a human story and an almost closed circle.
« Madrid is my home »
Fabien Causeur told Radio MARCA straightforwardly: this return to Madrid was marked long ago. « I knew when I would come back and had the feeling it would be a key match. And it is. So it will be very emotional for me. » The former Real player doesn’t hide his attachment to the club and its environment: « I know everyone there. The security, the elevators, the fans… It’s home. »
This Tuesday, he’ll enter the visitors’ locker room for the first time. Despite all the emotion, the objective remains clear: « I’ll try to enjoy the moment but I’m also here to win, because the team needs it. »
DOMANI REAL MADRID-OLIMPIA
Nikola Mirotic arrivò a Madrid da bambino. Si conquistò un posto in prima squadra ma senza giocare fino a quando Ettore Messina gli disse « Vai » 3⃣3⃣
Fabien Causeur tifava per i Galacticos del Real Madrid. Poi coronò il sogno di giocare per loro. Per… pic.twitter.com/OJpmjBAjMF— Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) March 24, 2025
A departure without grudge, but with disappointment
Causeur would have liked to finish his career in the Spanish capital: « It was a goal for me. So it’s disappointing, but I have no resentment. » Real’s offer? An invitation to leave, according to him: « They first said no, then made a much lower offer, without a clear role in the team. I didn’t want to be the 16th player in rotation just to say I played for Real. I wanted to play. »
Nevertheless, he remains very grateful: « Real has always been perfect with me. I even got a call from Florentino (Perez). These are things you don’t forget. »
A second life in Milan
At 36, Causeur continues to perform at the highest level. « I wanted to stay in EuroLeague because I knew I still had the level, » he explains. Well integrated in Milan, he appreciates Ettore Messina’s trust: « He welcomed me with open arms and that helped me a lot. I feel comfortable. »
His experience, his voice in the locker room and his calmness make him a valuable leader within a group led notably by Nikola Mirotic and Shavon Shields. « There’s a lot of respect between us and it shows on the court. »
A last dance at WiZink Center?
The match between Real Madrid and Milan is crucial for both teams in the playoff race. But for Causeur, it’s above all an opportunity to close a chapter with emotion: « I lived a dream wearing this jersey. When I arrived, I didn’t even think I would play this much. I came in through the small door, and I almost reached 500 games. »
Is he a Real legend? The interested party dodges, true to his discretion: « I’ll let people judge. I prefer to talk on the court. »
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve is the founder and editor-in-chief of BeBasket, which he has been running since 2010 (formerly known as Catch & Shoot). Having studied at the École Publique de Journalisme de Tours and two universities in North America, he has developed his expertise in French basketball, from the National League to amateur divisions, over the past 20 years. Alongside this, he is also involved in the development of clubs in the Montpellier area.
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