OGC Nice is deeply saddened by the passing of Paul Capietto, alias ‘Le Berger’ or the Shepard. The next match against Toulouse will be dedicated to his memory.

This morning, a part of OGC Nice departed, a piece of popular folklore that you won’t find in any museum, a symbol of the loyalty and passion that football and Les Rouge et Noir can inspire. Everyone at the club has a story about Le Berger. A funny story, at that. We all saw him perched on ‘his’ tree at the Stade du Ray, or arriving at Allianz on his bike-skis, or singing to the glory of Garibaldi. Everyone has enjoyed those long, meandering chats that take more than one unexpected twist… and that today, are all the more poignant.

A ski instructor in Vésubie, Paul’s life is full of mystery grown out of his crazy joking style and his larger-than-life personality. A personality so big that he is known throughout the land and to all that follow the Ligue 1, including former player and television journalist Laurent Paganelli, who counted him among his friends.

Honoured by Nice chairman Jean-Pierre Rivère for his 70th birthday, Paul Capietto passed away on Monday morning at the age of 73. If he won’t be seen at Allianz any more, now doubt he will be barracking for Le Gym from his new resting place, with his skis and his cheers…

OGC Nice presents its sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

Pictures Alexandre Debbache and Michael Alesi

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