Staelens: “The Soul of Anderlecht Is Gone”
The upcoming match between Anderlecht and Club Brugge is highly anticipated. Club Brugge recently impressed with a 3–3 draw against Barcelona, while Michael Verschueren is about to begin his tenure as Anderlecht’s new chairman.
Memories from a Former Player
Lorenzo Staelens, 61, who played for both teams, shares his reflections from his home in Menen, near the French border. He recalls a humorous moment from his early days:
“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.”
Career Highlights at Club Brugge
Staelens became a beloved figure at Club Brugge, featuring in 375 matches, scoring 107 goals, and winning seven trophies. One of his standout moments was his hat-trick at Anderlecht’s Astridpark in 1993. He describes one particular goal as his best ever:
“That long volley for 0–3 was probably the best goal of my career.”
Transfer to Anderlecht
In 1998, Staelens surprised Belgian football by transferring to Club Brugge’s rival Anderlecht. He explains his decision:
- He sought job security.
- Anderlecht offered a three-year contract while Club Brugge proposed only two.
- Michel Verschueren confirmed the signing directly with the Vanden Stock family, to their disbelief.
Staelens’ move was a major shock at the time, given the intense rivalry between the clubs.
Author’s Summary
Lorenzo Staelens recalls his unique journey between Anderlecht and Club Brugge, highlighting memorable moments and the significance of stability in his career choices.