Mathieu Bodmer (born 22 November 1982) is a French retired professional footballer who played as a midfielder. A former French youth international, he is known for his technique, playmaking skills and striking ability. Club career Early career Bodmer began his professional career at Évreux AC (now Évreux FC) at the age of 14. In 1998, he moved to Stade Malherbe Caen, a club in the second division of French football, where he made his debut in 2000. He played in 24 matches that season and by the end of the 2002–03 season, he had played in 79 matches for the club, scoring a total of four goals. His hard-working performances helped Caen keep a mid-table position in the league. Following the season, he joined first division club Lille OSC for €1 million. Lille The 2003–04 season served as an auspicious introduction to top league football, where Bodmer played against the likes of Michael Essien. He earned 33 appearances for the first-team in his debut season, scoring two goals; however, in the 2004–05 season, Lille enjoyed an impressive second-place finish giving them a place in the UEFA Champions League. They were considered minnows in that competition, but Bodmer, as a holding midfielder, helped Lille achieve a draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford. His impressive performances earned the interest of Arsène Wenger, manager of Arsenal, who had considered buying him in the spring of 2005, but he was rebuffed by Lille president Michel Seydoux. Periodically, he was linked with other big-name clubs, including Manchester United. He did sign a contract extension at Lille in December 2005, extending his stay at the club until 2011. Despite signing a new contract, Bodmar does admit that he had interests playing in The Premiership in the future. In the 2006–07 Champions League at the group stage, Bodmer provided two assists for Peter Odemwingie and Kader Keïta to score in a 2–0 win over the seven times UEFA Champion League winner A.C. Milan on 6 December 2006. Lyon On 14 June 2007, Lyon officially announced that they would be unveiling Kader Keïta and Bodmer to the media, the pair having already passed their medicals at the Stade Gerland. On 16 June 2007, Lyon confirmed the signing of Bodmer from Lille for a €6.5 million fee. Bodmer was given the number 5 shirt, previously worn by Caçapa. Bodmer made his Ligue 1 debut for Lyon in Lyon's