UTAS Meets: Lionel Perez

·1 hr 2 min·5 clips

Lionel Perez, nicknamed 'God with a perm,' reveals how a chance visit to Cambridge changed his life and career.

This episode of Under The Abbey Stand features an interview with former Cambridge United goalkeeper Lionel Perez. Host Jordan Warland introduces Perez as a charismatic cult hero and Hall of Fame member. Perez begins by discussing his French background and adaptation to English football, including swearing habits on the pitch. He shares fond memories of living in Cambridge, describing it as a beautiful city where he felt at home, often riding bikes and enjoying life near Jesus Green. Perez recounts his football journey, starting in France with Nîmes Olympique and Bordeaux, where he played alongside a young Zinedine Zidane, attending Zidane's first France cap. He moved to Sunderland, experiencing Premier League football and a memorable playoff final against Charlton at Wembley, which ended in a penalty shootout loss. After being released by Sunderland via a letter, he joined Newcastle but struggled, leading to a loan to Scunthorpe. A visit to Cambridge with Scunthorpe inspired him to move there, and he later joined Cambridge United on loan after a conversation with Sir Bobby Robson. Perez talks about his permanent move to Cambridge, taking a pay cut, and playing under Roy McFarland. He highlights teammates like Dave Kitson, who later praised him as the most influential player he'd played with. The episode also touches on Perez's near-fight with Ruud Gullit at Newcastle and his thoughts on modern penalty shootouts. Throughout, Perez emphasizes his emotional connections to clubs and cities, particularly Cambridge.

As heard by us

Lionel Perez warmly recalls the choices, setbacks and vivid memories that shaped his time at Cambridge United.

Lionel Perez looks back on the decisions and near-misses behind his cult status at Cambridge United. He recalls arriving on loan from Newcastle, taking a massive pay cut to return permanently and losing a possible France call-up after a managerial change.

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Why you'd press play

You'll hear why Cambridge was the one Third Division return Lionel Perez was willing to make.

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