Former Barca star Ludovic Giuly interview: "Maradona was my hero growing up"
We talk to the shining knight in AS Monaco’s European adventure of 2004 and the man who helped FC Barcelona to their second Champions League title in 2006: Ludovic Giuly.
Q: Who do you think is more likely to win the Golden Foot Award 2012 from the list of nominees for this year?
Nominees: Buffon (Italy), Casillas (Spain), Drogba (Ivory Coast), Ibrahimovic (Sweden), Kakà (Brazil), Pirlo (Italy), Puyol (Spain), Raul (Spain), Seedorf (Netherlands), Xavi (Spain).
A: Seedorf has won the Champions League many times. He had a very important career with AC Milan and Real Madrid. His career is an example for all players. I think it would be nice to give him the Golden Foot.
Q: What do you think of the new ownership of PSG and the future of French football with such investment power under only one club? Can PSG become a strong force in Europe in the next few years?
A: The association of the ‘Emirs of Qatar’ with PSG is a good thing because it will bring something strong to this club. It’s important to keep the real essence of the club. Buying great players is acceptable but in doing so the club should not lose its identity.
Q: How do you compare the Barcelona you played at to Guardiola’s team?
A: I think our Barcelona has been the best one. In that time we had to face “the Galacticos” of Real Madrid, with Raul, Zidane, Figo, Ronaldo, Beckham and many others. But of course, I have to say, Barcelona with Guardiola has been something incredible. They have done amazing things over the last 5 or 6 years.
Q: Another former team of yours; AS Roma, can they reclaim their place at the top of Serie A with the arrival of Zeman as new coach?
A: I do not know much about Zeman but the club did well in the last campaign and should not have problems to do well in Serie A, I am very confident.
Q: You played alongside Totti, what other top European team could he have played for? Do you think he could have had a place in your Barcelona?
A: Totti is and will remain Italian. Between Barcelona and Real I think it would be better playing for Real, but he is a legend in Rome and I just can’t imagine him away from there.
Q: Is Deschamps the right man for France? What have they missed after your golden generation? Decent amount of talent but no results…
A: I think Didier is a good choice. Laurent Blanc has done well. Both have great qualities. French football is changing, there are good players growing up very well. We should encourage this new generation, to help France in coming back at the highest level in the world of football.
Q: Who is the best French player today and the best young talent?
A: Lloris is the best player now. Then I think Cabaye, who is 26. They are the future of France.
Q: What do you think of Euro 2012? Is Spain one of the best national teams ever?
A: Spain is currently the best team. They deserved to win the cup in the Poland-Ukraine European competition.
Q: What do you think about Mourihno’s Real Madrid? Can they dominate Spanish football?
A: Mourinho does well wherever he goes. All of his teams win. He brings his style of play, and his character. This year was a shame not to see them in the Champions League final, but it can happen in a difficult competition like the Champions League. For sure, his Real Madrid deserves applause.
Q: How did you feel when you scored 2 goals against Real Madrid and lead AS Monaco to the 2004 Champions League final?
A: I remember the day I scored two times against the “Galacticos” of Real Madrid. It represents a kind of magic moment because we passed through against a very strong team. I remember the pressure because we were not considered a team strong enough to beat them. There were unforgettable emotions!
Q: How was it like to play for FC Barcelona alongside Eto’o, Ronaldinho, Deco… ?
A: I had the chance to play alongside great champions. I am proud of what I did and won with them. To be at the level of champions like Ronaldinho, Eto ‘O and many others is really something to remember forever and to tell everyone!
Q: Which goal of yours will you consider the best in your professional football career?
A: I scored enough goals in my career, but the most beautiful is the one I scored for Lens. But for sure I do not forget the two marked at Real Madrid. Yes, I can say I have many wonderful memories.
Q: Which footballer has been the greatest that you ever played in the same team with?
A: I had a chance to play with a lot of great players: Zidane with France, with Barcelona I played with Ronaldinho, Eto’o and Messi. Let’s say the strongest I’ve played is Messi, who will be truly the strongest when he will give Argentina the FIFA World Cup.
Q: What was the greatest time of your career?
A: The best moment for me is every day when I wake up. I’m lucky, I had the opportunity to do what I love: play football. I did it at great levels. I’m happy to play football and I like the idea to make fans happy.
Q: How did it feel to run on the same pitch as Zidane?
A: For us Zidane is a true point of reference, an example to follow forever. I had the pleasure and honour to play with him. I remember my feeling staying on the field with him. It was incredible. I have a huge appreciation for the man we consider the best French player.
Q: Who was your favourite player whilst you were growing up?
A: Maradona has been like a hero, even if he was facing Michel Platini at that time. I was happy watching them on TV. Maradona was definitely the best.
Q: Do you intend on playing any more games for Corsica?
A: Yes, I will try again. I definitely want to play again for my Corsica!
Q: And finally which is the best side you have played for and which club is your favourite now, FC Barcelona, AS Monaco, AS Roma or PSG?
A: I have a beautiful memory of the time I played for AS Monaco, it was nice playing behind the strikers, but my best memory is with no doubt, playing for Barcelona. I was with players like Ronaldinho, Eto’o, Deco. It was amazing!
Q: Will you consider becoming a coach after hanging your boots?
A: You never know. I’ll see what happens to my future. The only thing I want to avoid is to get an overdose of football.
Q: There have been many questions about football, how do you see your life now apart from the sport?
A: Football is in my life since I was very young. In the past it was seen as a passion, but it became a real job. A player now has to pay much more attention on what in the past were ‘just’ details. Things like a good lifestyle are basic. There are many sponsors in the world of football who give you pressure. Sometimes I think we have to be like machines. But finally, for a footballer the best thing remains to give fans magic and unforgettable moments. I’m happy for that!
Text by Salvatore Siviero and Maaz Ahmet for goldenfoot.com