Lille OSC defender Thomas Meunier has publicly stated his intention to finish his professional career playing as a centre-forward, despite having spent over a decade as a right-back at the highest level. The 32-year-old Belgian international, whose current contract with Lille expires this summer, made the surprising declaration in an interview with Ligue 1+, expressing a long-held frustration with his defensive role.
"I'll say it clearly: before the end of my career, I will sign for a club to play as a number 9," Meunier said. He added, "It kills me to play right-back. It repulses me." The player lamented the tactical restrictions of his position, noting that his naturally offensive instincts have been curtailed. "I was used to being offensive, to scoring goals, to making passes, to dribbling. And now, even doing a step-over... If I lose the ball, it goes in behind me, it's over, only the goalkeeper is left," he explained.
Meunier's attacking pedigree is not entirely fabricated. As recalled by former Club Brugge coach Juan Carlos Garrido in an interview with So Foot, Meunier was originally deployed as a forward when he began his professional career in Belgium. Garrido explained that he converted the player to right-back out of necessity during a Europa League match against Maritimo, immediately recognising his qualities for the role. That positional shift ultimately paved the way for moves to Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, and Trabzonspor before his arrival at Lille.
The veteran defender, who has scored 68 career goals according to the interview, even joked that he might be more effective than Romelu Lukaku as the focal point for the Belgian national team. His future remains uncertain, with his deal at Lille concluding at the end of the season and no new destination yet confirmed. While a move to a top-level club as a striker seems improbable, Meunier's comments highlight a player reflecting on his career path as he enters its final stages. The revelation adds an intriguing layer to his impending free agency, though any club considering him will likely still view him as a defensive option.
