Letter 32 – PASSION – February 98

Byfrance98

    February 1998  – N°32

LOVE FOR THE GAME

His Serene Higness
Prince Albert of Monaco

“Love for the game” is a phrase that rings loud and clear in Prince Albert of Monaco’s case. The Prince is not only an avid supporter of the club from the Principality, who happen to be the current French Premier League champions, but also a player himself, who enjoys nothing better than joining his team of friends for a kick about. With a childhood steeped in footballing memories, and a passionate interest in who will win the next World Cup, you could say he is a man with football in his blood.

My early childhood memories are often confused. So I can’t remember exactly how old I was when I began to get really keen on football. In fact, it was my father who first got me interested – he started taking me to matches before I was five, even. Well, I quickly wanted to get my own boots on and wear the colours of my idols who played for AS Monaco. That was in 1963-1964, when Théo, Hernandez, Michel Hidalgo and the rest of them were all in their heyday. I played in the club’s junior teams, as well as for my high school team. Given who I am within the Principality, the sport made it possible for me to be in a team of friends like anyone else.

As a team sport, football helps bring people together from very different walks of life. No matter who you are or where you come from, in football you have to win your place in the team. At that time I must have played in every position on the field, from goal-keeper to centre-forward.

Later, as a teenager during the 70s when the great Saint-Etienne team was at its height, I enjoyed playing in mid-field or up front like Michel Platini and Dominique Rocheteau, my heroes of the moment. Nowadays I play right back for a team made up of friends, the “Barbajuans” (named after one of Monaco’s speciality dishes). Even though we play mainly for pleasure and to keep ourselves physically fit, we still train regularly every Tuesday and Saturday. That’s what’s so appealing about the game, how much fun it is for players and spectators alike. But that also means giving it your all. And you never know how a game will turn out. As for me, I’m rarely bored at a football ground. Even if the score is 0-0, or the game isn’t of a particularly high standard, I can still appreciate the level of skill on display or the tactical struggle. I love the tactical aspect of football, and I like to chat about it with Jean Tigana (former French team player and now AS Monaco’s coach) before a match.

“I’ve been known to arrange my schedule…

…around matches!”

I go to see all AS Monaco’s home games and away games too if the match is of particular importance. And I’ve even been known to arrange my schedule around matches! It would be marvellous if we could retain our title this season. In the normal order of things the French side for the World Cup would then have more Monaco players than ever in its ranks. That’s a satisfying thought, while we await the day when the Principality of Monaco itself takes part in a World Cup tournament. Unfortunately we’re still a long way from being able to field 22 international class players who were born in Monaco!

As far as this World Cup goes I thought France had a favourable Draw. As I have dual nationality, I was also interested to find out who the USA’s opponents would be. It’s obviously going to be more difficult for them. And I’ve also taken note of where and when Brazil and England are playing. I’ve always been an admirer of Brazilian artistry and of the work-rate and commitment in the English game.

I’m hoping very much to be able to see them both play at Marseille, one of my neighbouring towns. Together with the Germans, and the French, of course, they are among my favourites.

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