Michael Olise made a surprise return to Selhurst Park this week, much to the delight of Crystal Palace supporters, as he reunited with his former teammates and paid a heartfelt farewell to long-serving club legend Joel Ward. The 23-year-old French winger, who recently clinched the 2024/25 Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich, was warmly welcomed back by fans and players alike.
Olise, currently on vacation following his successful campaign in Germany, made it a priority to return to the club where he made a significant impact before his move to the Bundesliga. His return was not only a gesture of respect but a celebration of a special bond he still holds with the club, especially with close friend and fellow attacking maestro Eberechi Eze.
> “The Premier League truly misses these two balling out together,” one fan commented online. “They were one of the coldest duos in recent memory.”
Olise’s appearance at the farewell event came in honor of 35-year-old Joel Ward, the club’s veteran defender and captain, who is set to leave Crystal Palace this summer following the expiration of his contract. Ward, who joined Palace in 2012, played his final home match in a 4-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. With over a decade of service and a key role in maintaining the club’s Premier League status over the years, Ward leaves behind a lasting legacy.
“He’s been here through it all. Promotion, survival battles, cup runs – Joel Ward has been a constant,” said one longtime Palace supporter.
Olise’s heartfelt return and presence during such an emotional moment for the club didn’t go unnoticed. His interaction with fans, time spent with players, and most notably, his reunion with Eze, sparked excitement and nostalgia among the fanbase. Social media was flooded with images and videos of the duo embracing and sharing laughs, with many supporters expressing their wish to one day see them play together again at Selhurst Park.
“He didn’t have to come back. But the fact that he did says everything about his love for this club,” another fan wrote.
The former Palace star had earlier dedicated his Bundesliga triumph to the South London club, further underlining how deeply the Eagles remain rooted in his heart. Though his current chapter is in Germany, his emotional connection to Crystal Palace remains strong.
As the club prepares for a new era following their historic FA Cup triumph and upcoming Europa League campaign, the presence of former stars like Olise adds an emotional layer to the celebrations. His tribute to Ward and his bond with the fans reaffirm what many believe: once an Eagle, always an Eagle.
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