"The Russians have a lot of desire to show themselves": Trezeguet on the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020, Ronaldo's career and advice to his son

- Tell us about your impressions of the reception you received in St. Petersburg, Moscow, and in Russia in general.

- Both cities that I have visited are great.

It can be seen that people here are very lively, open-minded.

It can be seen that they already really want the tournament to begin.

Do not forget that the Russian national team will have the opportunity to play in front of their audience.

This is something incredible, and the start of the competition is eagerly awaited.

For the rest, whenever I have the opportunity to visit Russia, I come here with great pleasure.

- What do you think about Russia?

- By that time, I was already familiar with your country, but I think that the 2018 World Cup remained in my memory as a real holiday.

He was remembered by the fans.

It was a holiday for everyone.

In addition, for France, this world championship was also victorious.

There was a noticeable desire of people to show their country - Russia.

And they managed to do everything at an incredibly high level.

Moreover, it is clear that the country is developing.

And it is clear that when possible, people are always ready to help.

- During the World Cup in Russia, you said that that championship was the best in history.

What impressed you the most?

- I must note that before the 2018 World Cup, your country seemed to us very closed, disciplined.

But we saw that people were very open, that they wanted to show their best qualities.

Of course, I was not to say that I was surprised, because by that moment I already knew something.

But the stadiums were of the highest level, like everything related to organization, readiness and desire to show their country.

It was an outstanding reception!

The Russians had a lot of desire to show themselves.

That is why, in my opinion, it was an outstanding world championship.

So it seems to me from the position, one might say, of a fan.

Everything went very well.

- How did you get through the period of the pandemic?

- It was a difficult year.

The year in which we had to think about a lot.

First of all, about the family.

A year of reflections that we have not indulged in before.

Reflections on how to enjoy life more, discover simpler things, everyday worries ...

- And what opportunities did it give you?

- As for me, it gave me the opportunity to get diplomas of sports director and coach. First of all, I took advantage of this time to complete my training. If we talk about the family, about loved ones - of course, the pandemic has not passed without a trace. But over time, we return to the life we ​​love. You need to be able to enjoy it. For example, this opportunity to come to Russia. It was something for me that I can say I will never forget. I think the pandemic gave us the opportunity to understand that we need to enjoy life much more. And do not forget that you need to be very careful about your own health and the health of others. Maybe at first we did not understand what to do, but some time passed, and we managed to get out of this situation, although we still need to be very careful. But we are on the right track.

- For many, football has become a kind of outlet during a pandemic.

What is the role of football in society in times of crisis?

- From an emotional point of view, he helped people.

Yes, at some point it was annoying to look at the empty stadiums.

However, this became a kind of outlet for us during self-isolation, when people were forced to stay at home.

Football has shown again that there is an emotional side.

But it is also the most popular sport that people love to watch with friends, family members or even alone - this has happened too.

I think it was useful, provided the right attitude to health.

But I think it was right to continue playing football for emotional relief.

- You came to Russia as part of the Euro 2020 Cup tour.

You have a special story with him ...

- It was a great story!

We became the first country to win the European Championship right after winning the World Championship.

Two trophies are an idea, a desire, a dream.

In addition, I scored the winning goal in the Euro 2000 final.

I was lucky to win two major trophies for national teams.

It was unforgettable!

Although, perhaps, at first we do not pay attention to the title, but eventually we understand ... For me this meeting with the cup was the first in many years.

And it really touched me.

- You ended your playing career in 2014.

How do you see the years that you have devoted to football today, in Monaco, Juventus and the national team?

- Football has become my life, my passion, my dream - both professionally and personally.

Even now, as an ambassador, I remain in football.

This is my life.

Football gave me a lot in every sense of the word.

And that's why I respect the game.

I have the opportunity to communicate more with people, with fans.

When you are a football player, you may have less time for this, but now it touches and makes me happy.

Because we all understand that football unites.

On a social, cultural level.

- Many players say that they have experienced a "little death", ending their careers.

How did you come to parting with the game?

- Everything is fine.

At some point, I felt - both physically and mentally - that it was time to do something else.

Perhaps, to do something that I did not have time to ... But I more and more felt that the end of my career was not far off.

Then I started to study.

I wanted to do something related to football.

It was not difficult for me.

But over time, talking with friends, former teammates, I realized that it is not easy.

When you are in the foreground and play at a high level, and then suddenly end your career ... It was hard for many.

It was easier for me.

However, we have a desire not to be forgotten.

And when there is an opportunity to return as an ambassador, as I am today, it is a great pleasure.

Especially when people appreciate what we have achieved in football.

It is touching.

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- Do your children understand who their father is and what he did in football?

- You know, on the one hand, my children did not suffer from the fame of their father.

But I also adhere to this position ... The fact is that my parents never put pressure on me and did not try to influence my decisions in matters of football.

I believe that this was a very correct position.

And I adhere to the same position in relation to my children.

I think that everyone should go their own way, implement their projects.

But my son is with me, we travel together, he is happy and proud.

But he also studies.

He knows that his father went a certain way, wrote his own vivid story.

And that motivates him.

Personally, I like it.

- Your eldest son Aaron is also an accomplished athlete.

Does he ask you for advice?

- Not like advice ... He leads a lifestyle that should allow him to become a professional.

He was born in such an environment, observed, among other things, the professional activities of his father.

- Does he take on something from your sports experience?

- A wish.

When you are a high-level athlete, there is a professional side to the issue, there is a personal side.

But first of all, it's emotions.

And in these emotions you need to find desire.

When we have the desire to do what we are doing, there are many more opportunities for us.

This is how I see it.

Now, for the first time in a very long time, we have the opportunity to come together.

I feel that he likes the world of sports.

And this is good.

I think it's good for life.

Exercise every day is good.

- We talked about an example for your children.

What about the new generation?

Do you feel any special responsibility since you became a Knight of the Legion of Honor in 1998?

- Yes and no.

For better or worse, football has changed a lot.

If you look at the social networks in which we spend our lives, now there is much more personal on display than before.

Previously, it was generally accepted among football players to keep this to themselves.

Now we need to adapt to the new generation.

It is much more open, more things are on display.

But you have to be careful.

I feel that I must show the way, show my professionalism.

This is how I live, this is how I was brought up.

But, in fact, you need to adapt to new views of things.

- Should a footballer behave in an exemplary manner?

- I think I should.

After all, footballers set an example for people.

We all understand that football is a popular sport.

Many players have a difficult path.

The financial aspect is also a part of a professional's life, do not forget about it.

You need to behave carefully, try to make the right decisions, surround yourself with responsible people.

If you behave this way, everything becomes easier and you can become an example.

- Let's talk about the latest football events.

There is a lot going on right now, for example Juventus are at risk of losing their main star Cristiano Ronaldo.

In your opinion, what did he give to the club?

Some believe that the Turin period of his career was a failure.

Do you agree with this?

- Ronaldo has seriously improved the image of the Italian championship. I think Italy was able to take advantage of this. If we talk about the club, then Cristiano came to the most important football club in Italy, which, moreover, has been very powerful in the domestic arena over the past ten years. Of course, with the help of Cristiano, they wanted to achieve more internationally - I mean winning the Champions League. Now he must decide, together with the representatives of the club, whether to stay or not. Juventus recently won a place in the Champions League. I think this is good. Cristiano has scored more than a hundred goals in three years. I think that in terms of personal achievements, he performed excellently. Yes, the Champions League did not work out at all, but this tournament cannot be won at the expense of one player. We saw this clearly. Now both the club and the player need to make a decision.

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- Kilian Mbappé and Erling Holland have been called the future of football for several years now.

What do you think of these players?

Can they go down in history?

- After Lionel Messi and Ronaldo, obviously Mbappe and Holland stand out against the general background.

They are the present, but at the same time the future of football.

They are professionals, strong players, they have a desire and motivation.

And look at the children ... They are idols!

Of course, over time they will have to choose which club to play for next.

- This is my next question: should Mbappe leave PSG to become a top-level player?

- Mbappe stands for a very ambitious club.

But he plays in a country where it is generally accepted that high-level football exists only in other countries.

England, Spain, Italy, Germany - these are the top four championships.

I think that over time Mbappe will feel the need to change the environment.

This is part of the life of a professional athlete.

I can say the same about Holland.

He stands for a club with history and ambition.

But this is not Bayern.

- Can we say that with Antoine Griezmann and Mbappé in attack, the French team is the favorite of the Euro?

Can they repeat your achievement?

- This is the whole purpose! Let me remind you that at the previous European Championship, the French national team lost in the final of Portugal, after which they won the World Championship in 2018. The goal now is to get to the very end and win the tournament. Obviously, France is a top-notch team made up of outstanding players with a future. France will claim to win the tournament.