Staelens: “The soul of Anderlecht is gone”
The upcoming clash between Anderlecht and Club Brugge promises to be memorable. Club Brugge impressed recently with a 3–3 draw against Barcelona, while Michael Verschueren is about to debut as Anderlecht’s new chairman.
Reflections from Lorenzo Staelens
Lorenzo Staelens, 61, who played for both clubs, shares his memories from his home in Menen near the French border. He recalls with a smile:
“When I signed for Club, manager Antoine Vanhove gave my father two young pigeons as a gift. He said their father had once won a prestigious race to Barcelona. The first time my dad released them, they never came back — probably straight to Bruges.”
Staelens became a beloved figure at Club Brugge, where he played 375 matches, scored 107 goals, and won seven trophies. His hat-trick at Anderlecht’s Astridpark in 1993 is still remembered.
“That long volley for 0–3 was probably the best goal of my career,”he states.
Five years after that, Staelens surprised Belgian football by transferring to archrival Anderlecht.
“I wanted job security, and Anderlecht offered me a three-year contract. Club only wanted to give me two. Mister Michel Verschueren even called the Vanden Stock family to confirm that I had really signed. Constant could hardly believe it.”
Summary
Lorenzo Staelens reflects on his unique journey between rival clubs, emphasizing the emotional and professional choices shaping his career.
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