FRANCE 98 – Michel PLATINI : “Sepp BLATTER's election is a good thing for football!”

– Michel PLATINI, are you relieved about the fact that Sepp BLATTER has been elected to head FIFA?

“I wouldn’t say relieved. Rather, I’m very happy for him and for the future of football. I immediatly supported his programme, and together, we will do many great things. The toughest part has just begun , and we have much work ahead of us. But our goal is exciting.”

– When are you going to set up the action plan that you had defined with Mr. BLATTER?

“Right now, I have to concentrate on the World Cup. Mr. BLATTER has just been elected.”

– Did Lennart JOHANSSON’s withdrawal after the first round of voting surprised you?

“Mr. Blatter was 31 votes ahead. Mr. JOHANSSON’S withdrawal shows that the President of the UEFA plays fair. He has never made any obtrusive statements, unlike those around him.”

– Are you disappointed by Pelé’s recent attitude and remarks?

“Yes. But I’d rather not comment on that.”