Mamadou Sangare is leaving Racing Club de Lens for Brentford after one season in France, with the Mali midfielder paying tribute to the club in an emotional farewell message.
Sangare announced his departure in a post on his X account before beginning a new chapter in England. The 24-year-old, who joined Lens last year from Rapid Wien, said his short spell with the Sang et Or had left a lasting impression despite lasting only one season.
“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 move to Brentford will take him into the Premier League, where he will face a new set of challenges after his brief but significant experience with Racing Club de Lens. The midfielder said he was leaving with pride, gratitude and memories that would stay with him for life.
“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.
Sangare’s departure brings an end to his French adventure, which began when he arrived at Lens from Rapid Wien last year. Although his time at the club was limited to a single season, his message made clear the importance he attached to the experience and the emotions associated with it.
The midfielder referred to the “unforgettable moments” he had experienced during his spell with Lens before setting his sights on England. At Brentford, he will have the opportunity to perform at a higher level and take on fresh responsibilities in the Premier League.
His farewell focused on the challenges he had overcome and the significance of his time with the Sang et Or, rather than on the brevity of his stay. Sangare’s words reflected a sense of fulfilment as he prepared to leave, while also underlining his ambition to continue developing and to meet the demands of his next challenge.
The move means Sangare will now exchange Racing Club de Lens for Brentford and French football for the Premier League. His departure message marked the close of one chapter and the beginning of another, with the Mali international carrying the memories of his season in France into his new life in England.
For Lens, the midfielder’s exit ends the association that began with his arrival from Rapid Wien last year. For Sangare, Brentford represents the next stage of a career he hopes to strengthen by taking on new challenges and performing more consistently at the highest level.