Toulon (AFP)

This is the last time: Sergio Parisse, who will celebrate his 38th birthday on the Stade Toulousain on Sunday, confirmed in an interview with AFP that he was playing his last season at the highest level, convinced that he "does not do not pull on the rope too much ", even if he hopes for a last selection with Italy.

Q: You played 80 minutes against Montpellier.

How are you feeling at the start of the season?

A: "Pretty good. It's not all perfect because you always need two or three games to be really in the right rhythm. I know myself physically and I know that I can still give a lot more."

The n ° 8 of Toulon, the Italian Sergio Parisse, during the Top 14 match at home against Montpellier, on September 4, 2021 at the Stade Mayol Christophe SIMON AFP / Archives

Q: What is the goal against Toulouse on Sunday?

A: "We must not think of them above all: we have to focus on us. If we think that what we put against Montpellier is going to be enough for us to be competitive against Toulouse, we are wrong. It was the base and we will have to be better on the points where we were not good such as our alternation in the game, our choices and our ability to read certain situations. There will also be a significant contribution from the players who will return. After, the result , we'll see."

Q: The following week, you host the Stade Français, is that necessarily a special date for you?

A: "I can't help it ... I would be a liar if I said the opposite. Stade Français will always be my favorite club and of course, the matches against them are special. And as they will be the last, they will be even more special. "

The 3rd row of Toulon, the Italian Sergio Parisse, escapes the tackle of the 2nd row of the Stade Français, Mathieu De Giovanni, during their Top 14 match, on December 6, 2020 at the Stade Jean Bouin in Paris Anne-Christine POUJOULAT AFP / Archives

Q: So this time you're sure it's your last season ...

A: "Yes. It's safe because you don't have to pull on the rope too much. Especially at the physical level because mentally, I feel very fresh."

Q: You did have some physical problems last season.

What made you want to continue for an extra season?

A: "Everyone knows their body and knows what they are capable of doing. I knew I had the mental and physical strength to make a final season. It was also a discussion with the club. At 38, he there are questions that arise. With the club, we all agreed that it was a good decision. Now it's up to me to have fun with every game. "

Q: A coach-player contract was mentioned at the end of last season.

What is your role at RCT?

A: "Rather, it was mentioned to take more responsibility in the touchdown sector. I am a player in Toulon, like all the others, but my investment in the touchdown will be even more important. I will also work with the players. Hopes and Crabos (players under 18, Editor's note) on a project to have the same common thread on the sidelines and that young people are used to working in a certain way when they join the professionals. "

Q: To hear you, we have the impression that a place awaits you in the staff next season ...

A: "I have a year's contract as a player here. And, from experience, you should not look too far. I mentioned my wish to coach. I am starting my state diploma. want to improve myself, to learn and why not one day to train here in Toulon. But it's important for me to finish my last season as I always dreamed of doing, playing at my best level . "

Q: Is a final selection with Italy still in your head?

A: "Yes, it would be a nice ending to be able to play again in front of the Italian public. But it is not an obsession. I am in contact with the new president and the new coach. There is also a desire on the part Italian leaders to give me the chance to make one last match. But I have never liked, in my professional career, to have gifts. I could have continued with Italy and had 150 caps instead of 142 but this is not what I want. Records do not interest me. "

Italian n ° 8 Sergio Parisse catches a ball in touch against France, during their Six Nations match, on March 16, 2019 at the Olympic Stadium in Rome Alberto PIZZOLI AFP / Archives

Interview by Tristan ARNAUD

© 2021 AFP