The sublime Pastore
After a seven-year stay, Javier Pastore has left his adopted home of Paris. The ambassador of a new era when he arrived in August 2011, El Flaco has earned everyone's respect, with no fewer than 18 titles won with the capital club, and a lasting legacy as the idol of Parisian fans - 'Pastoristes' - who loved his artistic style.
24 September 2011, at the Stade de La Mosson. That night, Javier Pastore was in sublime form, bagging his first-ever Ligue 1 Conforama brace. Hands-down 3-0 winners away to the team that would go on to take the title that season, PSG had shown the first signs that the technically gifted Argentine was making his mark on the team's play. Just one month after making his first appearance in Rouge et Bleu (in August 2011, away to Differdange in the UEFA Europa League play-offs), Pastore already had his first double.
His secret? Inimitable!
Like every love story, Javier's tale in Paris was characterized by passion and tumult. On one hand, his sublime moments - who could forget his highlight-reel strike against Chelsea one April evening in 2014 (3-1)? Or, season 2014-2015, when El Flaco hit world-class level in the Parisian midfield (31 league starts, named in the Ligue 1 All-Star Team and ten Champions League appearances).
On the other hand, there will always be a sense that his talent was, unfortunately, curtailed by injury, notably in the season following his hitting his straps (2015-2016). This leaves a certain sense of disappointment as, when he was fit and in the swing of things, he transformed into a magician! A born creative player, PSG's number 27 excels in tight spaces, regularly hitting the nutmegs and sombreros that are encoded in his DNA. An exquisite dribbler and a proven altruist, too, known for serving up the most delicious assists for his teammates during his time with Paris (42 assists in Ligue 1 Conforama).
Title winner
Pastore's penchant for champagne football had caught the eye of a certain Diego Armando Maradona, who gave the France-based star his start with the Argentine national team for whom he now has 29 caps (two goals) - in 2010. Great players often have a great understanding, and at PSG, Pastore linked up with the likes of Beckham, Zlatan, Thiago Silva, Cavani, Mbappé and, of course, Neymar Jr! The list is long, but not a centimeter longer than the list of thank-yous we owe the man who quickly became a firm fan favourite in his time at the Parc des Princes.
First up, for his loyalty to Paris. The first star signing as Paris' ambitious project kicked off in 2011, Flaco's stocks rose as the club's did, both parties entering a new dimension (37 Champions League matches, four goals). His enduring commitment to the club saw him amass a total of 269 appearances and 45 goals for the club, putting him in the top 15 of Paris' all-time appearances list!
Second, for his dedication to helping Paris as the rise to prominence continued. Involved in the securing of 18 titles with Paris Saint-Germain, the Argentine Parisian collected five Ligue 1 Conforama titles, five Coupes de la Ligue, four Trophée des Champions and four Coupes de France!
Gracias por todo, Flaco !
And, last of all, for his radiant presence. In town or on the pitch, Javier charmed those around him, notably as he racked up 186 Ligue 1 Conforama appearances (29 goals). To get an idea of what Flaco's legacy will be, consider this: Javier Pastore is the first player signed from a foreign league to play seven consecutive seasons with Paris since… Safet Susic! Which can only augur well! So… Gracias por todo, Flaco!