Paris 2024 Olympics: “I would nominate Zinedine Zidane”, Michel Platini votes for “Zizou” to light the cauldron on Friday

Michel Platini a fêté ses 70 ans en juin dernier. ANSA – ALESSANDRO DI MARCO

l'essentiel Il était le dernier relayeur lors des Jeux Olympique d’Albertville en 1992. Pour Paris 2024, “Platoche” a fait son choix.

Michel Platini celebrated his 70th birthday on June 21. After several years spent in Switzerland, close to the headquarters of UEFA which he chaired (2007-2015), the former captain of the French football team, champion of rsquo;Europe in 1984, took up residence in Cassis. Under the sun.

On the phone, the voice did not change. “Platoche” always leads the way even when it comes to talking about the Olympic Games. While waiting for the opening ceremony of Paris 2024, Friday from 7:30 p.m., he remains the last Frenchman to have lit the cauldron and felt the ecstasy of the ultimate torchbearer. It was in 1992 during the Winter Olympics in Albertville.
Between memories and wise advice, Michel Platini delivers his prediction: "The one who lights the flame in Paris must be the best-known Frenchman in the world". And he has his own idea on the matter.

How are you (interview conducted a few days before Euro football) ?

This is the big shape. The international form.

Are you looking forward to these Olympic Games in France ?

Yes and no. No more than that (he hesitates). I'm still waiting for them. It’s a beautiful moment of conviviality, a beautiful moment of sport, where the public gathers around the athletes. Yes, it’s definitely a good time.

Have you been contacted by the organizers, particularly for the opening ceremony ?

No, no. Nothing at all.

You wouldn't tell us anyway…

That’s it (laughs).

It’s a regret?

No. I was a torch bearer in Albertville. That was thirty years ago. Place for young people. There are many other athletes who can claim it.

What advice would you give to the person who lights the cauldron on Friday in Paris ?

I climbed a lot of stairs… Let him train (laughs) especially if he’s a veteran. It’s not that easy. There is adrenaline, stress, anxiety. It all also depends on what he will have to do.
I repeat, I climbed many steps holding a child in one hand and a torch in the other. But whatever happens, it will remain a great memory for whoever makes it.

In 1998, we also wanted to have an opening ceremony on the Seine

If you had to choose the last torchbearer, who would it be?

I would nominate Zinedine Zidane.

The last torchbearer must have worldwide influence, hence this choice ?

He must represent all of France. In 1992, Jean-Claude Killy (Editor's note: the Tony Estanguet of the Albertville Games) thought of me because I was the best-known Frenchman in the world. Zidane is very well known around the world. That would be great.

Are you planning to go to Paris to attend some events ?

No. I will watch the highlights in front of the television. Highlights in the ever-Olympic spirit. That is to say the 100m final, basketball, handball. Yes.

Are you worried about this opening ceremony outside the stadium??

To tell you the whole truth, in 1998, for the Football World Cup in France, we also wanted to do that.
But the state services then prohibited us from doing so due to security concerns. I don't understand why they gave (authorization) 30 years later.

Are you afraid?

No, that doesn't scare me. Terrorists do not always act during major events. They are waiting for the authorities to lower their guard. There, everyone expects something. There will be no problem.

In 1998, what did you originally imagine ?

The same thing, on the Seine. There was a call for tenders from several event companies. I suppose the same companies came back a few years later.

The decathlon is the pinnacle of the Olympic Games

Paris 2024 has therefore not invented anything ?

They are going to invent something with this ceremony outside the stadium. This will be a first. There will be a lot of things like that outside the stadium. Which risks annoying Parisians when it comes to traffic in the capital (he laughs again).

Do you know Tony Estanguet ?

No, I never met him. So I have no opinion on him.

Bio express

Born June 21, 1955 in Joeuf (Meurthe-et-Moselle), 70 years old.
The footballer: “pro” from 1976 to 1987 (Nancy, Saint-Etienne, Juventus Turin (Italy).
Palmarés: Ballon d’or 1983, 1984, 1985 ; winner of the 1978 Coupe de France (Nancy); 1981 French champion (Saint-Etienne); Italian champion 1984 and 1986, winner of the European Cup of Champion Clubs 1985 (Juventus Turin); European champion in 1984 with the Blues.
Coachof the French team from 1988 to 1992.
Co-president of the 1998 World Cup organizing committee.
President of UEFA (European Federation) from 2007 to 2015.

How do you judge the state of French sport today ?

He's not that bad. Claude Onesta, head of the Sports Swimming Agency, I believe has thought a lot about highlighting athletes so that they arrive at the right time in great shape. We can be good, especially in France. At home, the French teams are always very efficient.

If you had to follow only one discipline this summer in Paris, which would it be?

Athletics. I was passionate. Today, I don’t know much about it anymore. Apart from Kevin Mayer of course. The decathlon is the pinnacle of the Olympics.

I subscribe to read more