Former Leeds, Roma, Internazionale & French International, OLIVIER DACOURT, was here in Singapore to hold a futbol clinic recently! Despite his hectic schedule, Junpiter Futbol managed to catch up with the former combative midfielder at Offside Futsal!
JPF: So after hanging up your boots, other than travel round the world for charity futbol games and futbol clinics, what are you busy with these days?
OD: After hanging up my boots, I worked for a TV channel and I furthered my study (Master). And yes, I have not left futbol.
JPF: You have seen many of our youngsters here in Singapore, so what do you think of Singapore’s futbol standard and what can Singapore do to improve its futbol?
OD: It was a good surprise because I saw many young and good players. Some of the young players really showed great potential to make it in Europe. Of course, challenge comes when they get older, they will have to deal with the mandatory military service here in Singapore. This is a big problem. At this kind of age, it’s crucial for them to keep training and progress. With the mandatory military service, its nearly impossible for the young players to progress.
JPF: You have played in many top leagues in Europe, which is your biggest achievement in your playing career?
OD: That had to be my 3 years with Internazionale where we were crowned Serie-A Champion 3 times! Especially the win in my very first season with them, it was a long 17 years of wait for the fans since the last championship. It was a massive moment for me.
photo from epochtimes.com
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JPF: So which was the toughest league you ever played?
OD: Italian Serie-A. It was the pressure; pressure from the fans, the press, the media, it was very difficult. You were not allowed to make mistake. If you were not good, they would kill you!
JPF: Toughest opponent you ever played against?
OD: No toughest opponent but I liked to play against (Patrick) Vieira. He was one of my best friends both on and off the pitch. I liked to make him suffer both on and off the pitch too, haha!
JPF: What are the chances of France lifting the UEFA Euro Cup this year?
OD: I think it’s difficult. Quarter-final could be a realistic target. However, the current team does have quality players. And with quality players, you never know.
JPF: What advice would you give to the young players who inspired to be like you; to be a professional futbol player?
OD: Believe in yourself. No matter what people say about you, never lose confidence. Nobody can say you can’t achieve anything. Give your best in whatever you do, be in futbol or in life. Nothing is impossible.
Special thanks to OFFSIDE FUTSAL for making this exclusive interview possible
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