Sangare opens new Premier League chapter after emotional departure from Lens

Mamadou Sangare has left Racing Club de Lens and is set to continue his career in England with Brentford, after sending an emotional farewell message to the French club.

The Mali midfielder announced his departure in a post on his X account, reflecting on a short but significant spell with Lens. Sangare joined the club last year from Rapid Vienne, but his time in France lasted only one season.

Although brief, the experience clearly left a lasting impression on the player, who said his time with the Sang et Or would remain an important part of his career and life.

“There are adventures that mark a career, and others that mark a life. Even if this chapter lasted only one season, it will remain forever engraved in my heart,” Sangare wrote.

His message looked back on the challenges he had faced and the memorable moments experienced during his time at Racing Club de Lens. The midfielder did not specify those challenges, but made clear that the season had carried considerable personal importance despite its length.

Sangare will now leave France to take on a new challenge in the Premier League, where he will represent Brentford. The move will give him the opportunity to discover English top-flight football as he looks to make further progress and perform at a higher level.

“Today, it is time for me to write a new page. I am leaving with a great deal of pride, gratitude and memories for life,” he added.

The departure brings an end to Sangare’s French adventure after just one campaign at Lens. His farewell message placed the emphasis on the emotional impact of that season rather than its duration, with the midfielder expressing gratitude for the experience before beginning the next stage of his career.

Brentford will be his new destination as he prepares to test himself in the Premier League. For Sangare, the move represents a chance to build on what he learned at Rapid Vienne and Lens while facing a different level of competition in England.

His final message to Lens supporters and the club was therefore both a goodbye and a statement of intent. Sangare leaves the Sang et Or with pride in the season he spent there, appreciation for the memories created and the ambition to meet fresh challenges in Brentford colours.