Europe 1 with AFP 2:53 p.m., March 01, 2023

The coach of the Blues Didier Deschamps paid tribute on Wednesday to Just Fontaine, who died at 89, believing that he "will remain a legend of the France team", according to comments published on the website of the French Football Federation.

French and international football is in mourning.

Former tricolor international Just Fontaine died overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday.

Record holder of the number of goals scored during a World Cup (13 achievements), the former Rémois and coach of Paris Saint-Germain will have marked the history of the round ball.

The coach of the Blues Didier Deschamps reacted to this sad news.

"The disappearance of Just Fontaine saddens me, as it will inevitably sadden all those who love football and our national team. 'Justo' is and will remain a legend of the France team," wrote Deschamps.

“Player then coach, I had the chance to meet him on several occasions, he added. In particular at his home, in Toulouse, in September 2017. Justo was a man of great kindness, very respectful of generations that succeeded his with the Blues. His attachment to the France team was strong and sincere."

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"Deep emotion"

The interim president of the FFF Philippe Diallo, appointed since yesterday after the resignation of Noël Le Graët, also delivered a message of tribute, declaring that "the death of Just Fontaine plunges French football into a deep emotion and immense sadness". 

"Just Fontaine left his mark on French and international football. He was an emblematic figure, with his incredible record of 13 goals at the 1958 World Cup. He wrote one of the most beautiful pages in history. of the France team. Beyond his immense career as a player, Just Fontaine has played a major role in the influence of French football", continued the manager, recalling the different hats of + Justo +, "coach, trainer then at the origin of the National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP) of which he was the first president".

The FFF also announced that a minute's silence would be observed on all pitches in memory of the former striker, author of the record number of goals scored in a single World Cup final phase (13 goals during the Mondial 58).