:Laurent Robert
{{Short description|French footballer (born 1975)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Laurent Robert
| image = Laurent Robert.jpeg
| caption = Robert in 2011
| full_name = Pierre Laurent Robert
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1975|5|21|df=y}}{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/laurent-robert/ |title=Laurent Robert: Profile |website=worldfootball.net |publisher=HEIM:SPIEL |access-date=28 December 2020}}
| birth_place = Saint-Benoît, Réunion
| position = Left winger{{Hugman|16782|access-date=28 December 2020}}
| currentclub =
| years1 = 1994–1999
| years2 = 1999–2001
| years3 = 2001–2006
| years4 = 2005–2006
| years5 = 2006
| years6 = 2006–2007
| years7 = 2008
| years8 = 2008
| years9 = 2008–2009
| years10 = 2012
| clubs1 = Montpellier
| clubs2 = Paris Saint-Germain
| clubs3 = Newcastle United
| clubs4 = → Portsmouth (loan)
| clubs5 = Benfica
| clubs6 = Levante
| clubs7 = Derby County
| clubs8 = Toronto FC
| clubs9 = Larissa
| caps1 = 124
| goals1 = 19
| caps2 = 61
| goals2 = 24
| caps3 = 129
| goals3 = 22
| caps4 = 17
| goals4 = 1
| caps5 = 13
| goals5 = 2
| caps6 = 13
| goals6 = 0
| caps7 = 4
| goals7 = 0
| caps8 = 17
| goals8 = 1
| caps9 = 6
| goals9 = 0
| totalcaps = 384
| totalgoals = 69
| nationalyears1 = 1999–2001
| nationalteam1 = France
| nationalcaps1 = 9
| nationalgoals1 = 1
| manageryears1 = 2015–2020
| managerclubs1 = Montpellier (academy coach)
| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's football}}{{MedalCountry|{{fb|FRA}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|FIFA Confederations Cup}}
{{Medal|W|2001 Korea/Japan|}}
}}
Pierre Laurent Robert (born 21 May 1975) is a French former professional footballer who played as a left winger. He was known for his powerful shot, particularly from free kicks.{{cite news |last1=Furniss |first1=Matt |title=Most Free-Kick Goals in the Premier League |url=https://theanalyst.com/eu/2023/08/most-free-kick-goals-premier-league/ |access-date=13 November 2023 |publisher=Opta Analyst |date=14 August 2023}}
Born in Réunion, he moved to mainland France aged 16 and began his professional career with Montpellier and Paris Saint Germain, playing and scoring in the UEFA Champions League with the latter. In 2001, he transferred to Premier League club Newcastle United for a £10 million fee, helping them qualify for several European tournaments including the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup in 2003–04. The following season, he was fined and disciplined for publicly criticising manager Graeme Souness, leading to a loan to Portsmouth and transfer to Benfica in the Portuguese Primeira Liga in January 2006. He scored a winning free kick against O Clássico rivals Porto and played in a run to the Champions League quarter-finals, but moved on six months later to Levante in La Liga. He ended his career with brief spells at Derby County, Toronto FC and Larissa.
Robert played nine games for France between 1999 and 2001, scoring one goal and winning the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2001. His younger brother Bertrand also became footballer, as did his son Thomas.
Early and personal life
Robert was born in Saint-Benoît, Réunion.{{cite news |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/FootballFicheJoueur2907.html |title=Laurent Robert |newspaper=L'Équipe |location=Paris |access-date=28 December 2020 |language=fr}} His father was a local footballer, who shared his reputation for free kick goals.{{cite news |last1=Lemaître |first1=Clément |title=Laurent Robert : « Ma grosse frappe de balle du pied gauche est innée »|trans-title=Laurent Robert: "My hard left-foot strike is innate" |url=https://footdavant.fr/laurent-robert-ma-grosse-frappe-de-balle-du-pied-gauche-est-innee/ |access-date=12 November 2023 |work=Foot d'Avant |date=10 August 2018 |language=French}} His younger brother Bertrand was also a footballer, and also began his career at Montpellier before spending most of it in Greece.{{cite news |last1=Haond |first1=Patrick |title=Robert had Spurs option |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/2340022/robert-had-spurs-option |access-date=12 November 2023 |work=Sky Sports}}{{cite news |title=Stade Brestois. Bertrand Robert plante Brest pour la Grèce !|trans-title=Stade Brestois. Bertrand Robert leaves Brest for Greece!|url=https://www.letelegramme.fr/sports/toutes-les-infos/spanstade-brestoisspan-bertrand-robert-plante-brest-pour-la-grece-569892.php |access-date=12 November 2023 |work=Le Télégramme |date=29 July 2009 |language=French}} His son Thomas signed for Airdrieonians in Scottish League One in 2020.{{cite news |last1=Grace |first1=Liam |title=Thomas Robert: Laurent Robert's son signs for Airdrieonians |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11781/12025130/thomas-robert-laurent-roberts-son-signs-for-airdrieonians |access-date=12 November 2023 |work=Sky Sports |date=9 July 2020}} He is not the brother of Fabien Robert.{{Cite web |title=Robert: I'm Happy To Be Here - News - Swindon Town |url=https://www.swindontownfc.co.uk/news/2015/july/robert-im-happy-to-be-here/ |access-date=2023-11-28 |website=www.swindontownfc.co.uk |language=en-gb}}
Club career
=Montpellier=
Robert played with the Réunion team that were French youth cup winners when he was 13, and league champions a year later. At 16, he moved to mainland France to play for Brest. Six months into his spell, the Breton club filed for bankruptcy, and he moved to Auxerre in December 1991. Shocked by the cold, he moved on one week later to Montpellier, so he could be with fellow Réunionnais goalkeeper Claude Barrabé; he was transported by former Montpellier player Fleury Di Nallo when Auxerre manager Guy Roux was absent.
On 20 January 1996, Robert scored his first professional goal in a 2–0 home win over Martigues, having asked manager Michel Mézy to bring him on as a substitute to take the free kick. He came off the bench for the final 15 minutes on 11 February as his team were losing 2–0 at Paris Saint-Germain, and assisted the first goal and scored the winner in a 3–2 victory that would cost his future employer the league title.
=Paris Saint-Germain=
After scoring 11 goals in 32 games in 1998–99, Robert was close to a transfer to Marseille, but backed out when manager Rolland Courbis said that his strategy was to rotate all of his players, including French internationals Robert Pires and Christophe Dugarry. He then signed for PSG, who had finished the previous season in 9th.{{cite news |last1=Lemaître |first1=Clément |title=Laurent Robert : « J'ai réalisé le match parfait lors de PSG-Rosenborg » |trans-title=Laurent Robert: "I pulled off a perfect match in PSG v. Rosenborg"|url=https://footdavant.fr/laurent-robert-jai-realise-le-match-parfait-lors-de-psg-rosenborg/ |access-date=12 November 2023 |work=Foot d'Avant |date=11 August 2018 |language=French}}
Robert continued his reputation for free kicks at PSG, where he shared responsibilities with Éric Rabésandratana. On 4 May 2000, he netted one in a 3–0 home win over Montpellier from 30 metres out. In the 2000–01 UEFA Champions League, he scored once and assisted twice in a 7–2 win over Rosenborg in what he called his "perfect match", as well as scoring a free kick against A.C. Milan in the second group stage in a 1–1 draw at the Parc des Princes.{{cite news |title=Mari answers Milan mayday |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/champions_league/1178327.stm |access-date=12 November 2023 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=20 February 2001}}
Halfway through the 2000–01 season, when Robert was the league's top scorer with 12 goals, manager Philippe Bergeroo was dismissed and replaced with Luis Fernandez. Robert did not get along with Fernandez and in 2018, he blamed his arrival for PSG's title challenge failing. In July 2001, Robert contributed to PSG winning the UEFA Intertoto Cup, scoring four goals over the two legs of the second round against FC Jazz of Finland; he played as a forward due to injuries to Nicolas Anelka and Laurent Leroy.{{cite news |last1=Evans |first1=Nic |title=Robert talks on hold as PSG seek successor |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/2213469/robert-talks-on-hold-as-psg-seek-successor |access-date=12 November 2023 |work=Sky Sports}}
=Newcastle United=
On 1 August 2001, Robert signed a five-year deal with Newcastle United of the English Premier League, for a fee of £10 million.{{cite news |title=Newcastle clinch Robert signing |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/aug/01/newsstory.sport12 |access-date=12 November 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=1 August 2001}} Cup-tied for their Intertoto campaign, he made his debut on 19 August in the season opener away to Chelsea; his 25-yard shot in a free-kick situation was spilt by goalkeeper Ed de Goey, allowing Clarence Acuña to equalise in a 1–1 draw.{{cite news |title=Chelsea 1–1 Newcastle |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/aug/19/newsstory.sport21 |access-date=12 November 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=19 August 2001}} On 8 September, away to rivals Middlesbrough, he won a penalty from which goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer was sent off and Alan Shearer scored, assisted a goal by Nikos Dabizas and scored his own first goal in a 4–1 win.{{cite news |title=Tyne tears for Boro |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/1529913.stm |access-date=12 November 2023 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=8 September 2001}} A week later, his fifth-minute free kick opened a 4–3 win over three-times defending champions Manchester United at St James' Park.{{cite news |title=Newcastle stun Man Utd |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/1543556.stm |access-date=12 November 2023 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=15 September 2001}} He scored five free-kick goals as Newcastle came fourth in 2001–02; as of August 2023, this remained a joint record alongside David Beckham's five for Manchester United a season earlier. Robert's 11 free-kick goals in the Premier League ranks joint sixth in all-time ranking, and his average of 994 playing minutes per free-kick goal remains the best of any player with at least 8 such goals.
On 9 February 2003, Robert opened the scoring at home to defending champions Arsenal in the 53rd minute after receiving a pass from Gary Speed 35 yards out, but was sent off within five minutes for two yellow cards in a 1–1 draw. The second yellow card was for being too close to Dennis Bergkamp's free kick, a decision for which Newcastle manager Bobby Robson took issue with referee Neale Barry.{{cite news |last1=Walker |first1=Michael |title=Robson fumes as red card halts Robert |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/feb/10/newsstory.sport2 |access-date=12 November 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=10 February 2003}} He built up a strong left-sided partnership with compatriot full-back Olivier Bernard.{{cite news |last1=McCormick |first1=Sean |title=Olivier Bernard reflects on 'perfect' partnership with Laurent Robert down Newcastle's left side |url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/olivier-bernard-reflects-perfect-partnership-16046065 |access-date=12 November 2023 |work=Evening Chronicle |date=1 April 2019}} In one match in 2003, his shot hit Bernard in the head and knocked him out; Bernard recovered and assisted a goal but had no memory of the event.{{cite news |last1=Cunningham |first1=Jack |title=I played against Barcelona in Champions League and was KO'd by Newcastle teammate – now I own pub and pull pints |url=https://talksport.com/football/1410564/newcastle-olivier-bernard-pub-landlord-barcelona-champions-league-premier-league-ko/ |access-date=12 November 2023 |work=Talksport |date=2 May 2023}}
Robert was sent off in the 40th minute of a 2–2 draw at Everton on 13 September 2003.{{cite news |title=Ferguson haunts Newcastle |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3194211.stm |access-date=12 November 2023 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 September 2003}} Three months later, he scored "two contenders for goal of the season" and took the two corner kicks from which Alan Shearer scored the other two goals in a 4–0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3249102.stm | work=BBC News | title=Newcastle thrash Tottenham | date=13 December 2003}} In a run to the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup, he scored against NAC Breda, FC Basel and RCD Mallorca.{{cite news |title=Robert hits late winner |url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/robert-hits-late-winner/25926521.html |access-date=12 November 2023 |work=Irish Independent |date=16 October 2003}}{{cite news |title=Ameobi seals Newcastle's fightback |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2003/SPORT/football/11/06/uefa.england/ |access-date=12 November 2023 |publisher=CNN |date=6 November 2003}}{{cite news |last1=Taylor |first1=Louise |title=Robert to the fore after Newcastle step on the pace |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/mar/12/match.sport2 |access-date=12 November 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=12 March 2004}}
In April 2005, Robert publicly criticised Newcastle as not being as good as the previous season, and expressed his displeasure at being substituted. Manager Graeme Souness deemed these comments to be selfish, as they preceded a UEFA Cup quarter-final against Sporting CP and an FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United.{{cite news |title=Souness blasts 'selfish' Robert |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/4443365.stm |access-date=12 November 2023 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=14 April 2005}} That June, when still contracted to Newcastle, he made two interviews in The Sun, in which he criticised Souness again. He said that the team would have won the UEFA Cup if the manager were intelligent, and said that Jermaine Jenas was going to leave because of problems with the manager. He was fined two weeks' wages for each interview, totalling £180,000.{{cite news |title=Newcastle hand Robert second fine |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/4632741.stm |access-date=12 November 2023 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=29 June 2005}}
=Portsmouth=
Following his time at Newcastle United and a falling out with the club, Robert moved to fellow Premier League team Portsmouth in June 2005 on a year-long loan, with two additional years agreed following the completion of the loan. Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie said it was a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee with a release clause in case of relegation,{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/portsmouth/4092122.stm | work=BBC News | title=Pompey say Robert deal permanent | date=19 June 2005 | access-date=7 May 2010}} but club chairman Milan Mandarić clarified the deal.{{cite news |title=Robert Pompey deal is a loan |url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2005/0619/193670-portsmouth/ |access-date=12 November 2023 |publisher=RTÉ |date=14 June 2007}}
Robert made his debut on 13 August 2005 in a 2–0 home loss to Tottenham on the opening day,{{cite news |title=Portsmouth 0–2 Tottenham |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4127030.stm |access-date=12 November 2023 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 August 2005}} and a week later scored his only goal of 17 Pompey appearances, in a 2–1 away loss to West Bromwich Albion.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4148526.stm |title= West Brom 2–1 Portsmouth |publisher=BBC |date=20 August 2005 |access-date=1 September 2009}} On 29 October, he refused to sit on the substitutes' bench in a 4–1 win at Sunderland. It transpired that he was called up for the game as a late replacement for the injured Salif Diao, but failed to communicate that he himself was injured until the game was due to begin; he was fined while manager Alain Perrin appreciated it was a mistake.{{cite news |title=Repentant Robert fined by Pompey |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/oct/31/newsstory.sport4 |access-date=12 November 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=31 October 2005}} He was sent off on 26 December in a 1–1 draw with West Ham United at Fratton Park, after having set up the goal for Gary O'Neil.{{cite news |title=Portsmouth 1–1 West Ham |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4537522.stm |access-date=12 November 2023 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 December 2005}} In his final game on 2 January 2006, he enraged manager Harry Redknapp by missing a late free kick that could have been passed for an equaliser in a 2–1 loss at Blackburn Rovers.{{cite news |last1=Marshall |first1=Adam |title=Robert lined up for Benfica |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/2362042/robert-lined-up-for-benfica |access-date=13 November 2023 |work=Sky Sports}}
=Benfica=
On 4 January 2006, Robert signed a 2{{frac|1|2}}-year deal at Benfica in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. He signed on a free transfer after being removed from Redknapp's plans.{{cite news |title=Benfica seal Robert switch |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/jan/04/newsstory.benfica |access-date=12 November 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=4 January 2006}} Media reports suggested that Robert was signed as a potential replacement for Benfica captain Simão Sabrosa, a player in the same position who was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool.{{cite news |last1=Tulett |first1=Darren |title=Redknapp refit sends Robert flying to Benfica |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/jan/04/newsstory.portsmouth?CMP=gu_com |access-date=13 November 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=4 January 2006}}
On his first start on 11 January 2006, Robert scored in a 2–0 Taça de Portugal fifth round win at Tourizense.{{cite news |title=Robert imita Eusébio|trans-title=Robert imitates Eusébio|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-betclic/benfica/detalhe/robert-imita-eusebio |access-date=12 November 2023 |work=Record |date=13 January 2006 |language=Portuguese}} His first of two league goals was the game's only at home to Porto in O Clássico on 26 February, a free kick past Vítor Baía;{{cite news |title=Robert marcou o golo que tudo decidiu|trans-title=Robert scored the goal that decided everything|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-betclic/benfica/detalhe/robert-marcou-o-golo-que-tudo-decidiu |access-date=12 November 2023 |work=Record |date=26 February 2006 |language=Portuguese}} the other six days later equalised in a 2–1 win at nearby Estrela da Amadora.{{cite news |last1=Whelan |first1=James |title=Spanish giants fire warning shots |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-10075235.html |access-date=12 November 2023 |work=Irish Examiner |date=6 March 2006}} Later in March, he started in both legs of Benfica's Champions League last-16 win over title holders Liverpool.{{cite news |title=Laurent Robert está muy cerca de ser levantinista |trans-title=Laurent Robert is very close to being a Levante player|url=https://as.com/futbol/2006/07/08/mas_futbol/1152340028_850215.html |access-date=13 November 2023 |work=Diario AS |date=8 July 2006 |language=Spanish}}
=Levante=
On 11 July 2006, Robert moved to Spanish La Liga club Levante on a two-year deal, having chosen them over an offer from Turkey's Beşiktaş.{{cite news |title=El Levante cierra el fichaje de Laurent Robert para las dos próximas temporadas|trans-title=Levante secure the signing of Laurent Robert for the next two seasons|url=https://www.libertaddigital.com/deportes/el-levante-cierra-el-fichaje-de-laurent-robert-para-las-dos-proximas-temporadas-1276283368/ |access-date=13 November 2023 |publisher=Libertad Digital |date=11 July 2006 |language=Spanish}} At his first press conference, he said "Everyone knows my game. I've been a professional for ten years and this year they will need two players to mark me".{{cite news |title=Laurent Robert afirma en su presentación que "harán 2 jugadores para marcarme"|trans-title=Laurent Robert affirms in his presentation that "they will need 2 players to mark me"|url=https://www.levante-emv.com/deportes/2006/07/11/laurent-robert-afirma-presentacion-haran-13698101.html |access-date=13 November 2023 |work=Levante-EMV |date=11 July 2006 |language=Spanish}} He was one of four Frenchmen to join the Valencia-based club that summer, alongside Laurent Courtois, Frédéric Déhu and Olivier Kapo.{{cite news |title=Kapo junta-se a Laurent Robert no Levante|trans-title=Kapo joins Laurent Robert at Levante|url=https://www.record.pt/internacional/detalhe/kapo-junta-se-a-laurent-robert-no-levante?act=0&est=Aberto |access-date=13 November 2023 |work=Record |date=12 August 2006 |language=Portuguese}}
Substituted at half time on his debut in a 4–0 loss at Sevilla, he returned 14 weeks later as a substitute against Celta Vigo and assisted Álvaro's headed equaliser in a 1–1 draw.{{cite news |title=El Levante, sin puntería|trans-title=Levante, without a cutting edge |url=https://www.lne.es/deportes/2006/12/18/levante-punteria-21960012.html |access-date=13 November 2023 |work=La Nueva España |date=18 December 2006 |language=Spanish}} Three days later on 20 December, he was sent off in a 2–1 loss at Osasuna.{{cite news |last1=Vara |first1=Miguel Á. |title=Osasuna mete la quinta y Villarroel dice que se va|trans-title=Osasuna get fifth win in a row and Villarroel says that he is leaving|url=https://as.com/futbol/2006/12/21/mas_futbol/1166686038_850215.html |access-date=13 November 2023 |work=Diario AS |date=21 December 2006 |language=Spanish}} On 30 November 2007, with only 13 games to his name, he left by mutual consent.{{cite news |title=Laurent Robert abandona el Levante|trans-title=Laurent Robert leaves Levante|url=https://www.fichajes.com/a2376128238005502855-laurent-robert-abandona-el-levante |access-date=13 November 2023 |publisher=Fichajes.com |date=30 November 2007 |language=Spanish}}
=Derby County=
On 11 January 2008, Robert returned to the Premier League by signing for Derby County for the rest of the season, after impressing manager Paul Jewell on his trial. He joined a club with 7 points from 21 games and ten points inside the relegation zone.{{cite news |title=Derby confirm signing of Robert |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/derby_county/7174189.stm |access-date=13 November 2023 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=11 January 2008}} He made his first of four appearances the following day in a 1–0 home loss to Wigan Athletic, being replaced by Marc Edworthy after 59 minutes.{{cite news |title=Derby 0–1 Wigan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7172806.stm |access-date=13 November 2023 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 January 2008|first=David|last=McIntyre}} The Rams finished the season with an all-time low of 11 points from 38 games.{{cite news |last1=de Cosemo |first1=Harry |title=Derby County 2007-08: 'We threw the towel in' - the story of the Premier League's worst team |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55948890 |access-date=13 November 2023 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 January 2021}}
=Toronto FC=
On 2 April 2008, Robert had his Derby contract cancelled by mutual consent and moved to Toronto FC in Major League Soccer. He had worked with their head coach John Carver at Newcastle.{{cite news |title=Robert leaves Derby for Toronto |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/derby_county/7324508.stm |access-date=13 November 2023 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 April 2008}} He played 17 league games – all bar one as a starter – and scored once on 19 April from a free kick against Real Salt Lake for the only goal of their first home game of the season.{{cite news |title=Toronto FC prevails in its home opener |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/soccer-toronto-fc-prevails-in-its-home-opener/ |access-date=13 November 2023 |work=The Seattle Times |date=20 April 2008}} After what the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation described as "a series of uneven and uninspired performances", he was waived on 19 August.{{cite news |title=Robert's short career with TFC comes to an end |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/robert-s-short-career-with-tfc-comes-to-an-end-1.695771 |access-date=13 November 2023 |publisher=CBC |date=19 August 2008}}
=Larissa=
On 27 August 2008, Robert signed a two-year deal at Larissa of Super League Greece. He reunited with former Newcastle teammates Nikos Dabizas and Nolberto Solano.{{cite news |last1=Voinikas |first1=Fotis |title=Larissa snap up Robert |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/4058103/larissa-snap-up-robert |access-date=13 November 2023 |work=Sky Sports |date=27 August 2008}} He terminated his deal a year early, saying it was because Greece was "a bit special", returned to Paris for family reasons and trained with PSG's reserves in the summer of 2009.{{cite news |last1=Martin |first1=Alexandre |title=Interview de Laurent Robert|trans-title=Interview with Laurent Robert |url=https://www.interviewsport.fr/robertlaurent.php |access-date=13 November 2023 |work=Interview Sport |date=20 November 2009 |language=French}}
International career
Robert appeared nine times for France, making his debut against Northern Ireland on 18 August 1999, as a 55th-minute substitute in a 1–1 draw. He was the first person from Réunion to play for France.{{cite news |last1=Saffer |first1=Paul |title=French ambitions fire Robert |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/019b-0e6c102714a8-cb90285314b9-1000--french-ambitions-fire-robert/ |access-date=13 November 2023 |publisher=UEFA |date=24 March 2004}} He scored his only goal for his country on 15 November 2000 in a 4–0 win over Turkey, again off the bench in another away friendly.{{cite web|url=http://www.insidesoccer.net/toronto-fc-signs-french-midfielder-laurent-robert/|title=Inside Soccer|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726005931/http://www.insidesoccer.net/toronto-fc-signs-french-midfielder-laurent-robert/|archive-date=26 July 2011}}
Robert was selected in the France team that won the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Korea and Japan.{{cite news
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/1379790.stm
|title=Classy France outplay Japan
|date=10 June 2001
|publisher=BBC Sport
|access-date=12 April 2012
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326101049/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/1379790.stm
|archive-date=26 March 2014
|url-status=live
}} He started in the 1–0 loss to Australia in the second group game, for which a completely new squad was picked by manager Roger Lemerre.{{cite news |title=Australia stun France |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/1361503.stm |access-date=13 November 2023 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 June 2001}}
Coaching career
After his retirement from football, Robert returned to his former club, Montpellier, where he began working as a forward coach within the clubs academy and women's section.[https://www.mhscfoot.com/articles/2015-2016/info-club/laurent-robert-le-nouveau-but-de-sa-vie Laurent Robert, le nouveau but de sa vie], mhscfoot.com, 29 October 2015 A position he left in July 2020.[https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Montpellier-robert-nouzaret-a-la-retraite-laurent-robert-part-aussi/1131671 Montpellier : Robert Nouzaret à la retraite, Laurent Robert part aussi], lequipe.fr, 3 May 2020[https://espritpaillade.com/2023/02/01/mhsc-psg-que-devient-il-laurent-robert/ [MHSC-PSG] QUE DEVIENT-IL ? LAURENT ROBERT], espritpaillade.com, 1 February 2023
In film
Robert's goal against Liverpool in the 2004–05 season at St James' Park is used as the winner against the same team in Goal!. Character Santiago Muñez (Kuno Becker) strikes it and it zooms out as Robert's free kick hits the top corner. In Goal! 2: Living the Dream..., his overhead kick against Fulham is featured as Muñez's goal at the start.{{Cite web|url=https://inbedwithmaradona.com/journal/2017/3/6/laurent-roberts-flawed-genius-at-newcastle|title=LAURENT ROBERT'S FLAWED GENIUS AT NEWCASTLE|website=IBWM}}
Career statistics
=Club=
{{notelist}}
=International=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year | |||
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="3"|France{{NFT player}}
|1999 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2000 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2001 | 4 | 0 | |
| colspan="2"|Total | 9 | 1 |
Honours
France
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/1379790.stm
|title=Classy France outplay Japan
|date=10 June 2001
|publisher=BBC Sport
|access-date=12 April 2012
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326101049/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/1379790.stm
|archive-date=26 March 2014
|url-status=live
}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{FFF player}}
- {{LFP}}
{{France squad 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Robert, Laurent}}
Category:2001 FIFA Confederations Cup players
Category:Derby County F.C. players
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Greece
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Portugal
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Spain
Category:Expatriate men's soccer players in Canada
Category:French men's footballers
Category:Men's association football wingers
Category:France men's international footballers
Category:French expatriate men's footballers
Category:French expatriate sportspeople in Canada
Category:French expatriate sportspeople in Greece
Category:French expatriate sportspeople in Portugal
Category:French expatriate sportspeople in England
Category:French expatriate sportspeople in Spain
Category:Levante UD footballers
Category:Major League Soccer players
Category:Montpellier HSC players
Category:Newcastle United F.C. players
Category:Men's footballers from Réunion
Category:Paris Saint-Germain FC players
Category:Portsmouth F.C. players
Category:Primeira Liga players
Category:Premier League players
Category:S.L. Benfica footballers
Category:Athlitiki Enosi Larissa F.C. players
Category:Super League Greece players