Profis 25.09.2023 - 16:11 Uhr
The 05ers sign Josuha Guilavogui
The Frenchman will bring a lot of experience and international pedigree to Mainz
Mainz have strengthened their defence through the signing of the experienced Josuha Guilavogui. The 33-year-old Frenchman is well-known in the Bundesliga, having captained VfL Wolfsburg for many years and having been an undisputed leader for VfL right up until the end of his contract. Guilavogui brings a lot of experience and international pedigree to FSV: in total, the Frenchman has played 407 competitive games (22 goals, 14 assists), including 207 appearances in the Bundesliga, 32 in the Champions League and Europa League and 20 in the DFB-Pokal, as well as seven appearances for France. Guilavogui has signed a contract with Mainz 05 until the end of the 2023/24 season with the option to extend for a year.
“A big personality”
“Over the past few years, Josuha has shown how big of a personality he is and how much of a presence he has had both on and off the pitch. He has captained Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, Champions League and Europa League for many seasons, speaks multiple languages and is a really nice guy, which I’m sure will help him settle in quickly. Josuha has played at centre-back and will be able to fill the shoes of Andreas Hanche-Olsen, who is currently out injured,” shared Mainz’s sporting director Martin Schmidt.
“A great guy and a proper leader”
FSV head coach Bo Svensson said, “We’ve managed to secure an experienced defensive player in Josuha, who’s also a great guy and a proper leader. He’s a top addition for the team, especially in this tricky period, due to his quality as a player that he proved over a number of years in the Bundesliga and on an international level, as well as his eagerness to play and leadership qualities.”
“I got in contact with Mainz 05 through Martin Schmidt, who I knew from my time at Wolfsburg. I also enjoyed talking to Bo Svensson. We have a similar football philosophy and are on the same wavelength with regard to what I can bring to the team. I love defending and I’ve come here to do precisely that. Now, I want to find a place for myself in the team as soon as possible by training and helping out with my experience,” said Josuha Guilavogui.