In particular, you discussed with the president about having young people from Madagascar take tests at Paris 13.
Yes, it’s true. Me, I am not there only for my interests. So as soon as I hear things like that… (He thinks) In Madagascar, it’s complicated. Still, there is quality. We could be like everyone else… It hurts the heart to see young people stranded in Madagascar. So it’s a speech that spoke to me, it’s true. If I can help young people, even a little, and try to bring in… It’s true, we are in National 2, but there is still a level. I would be happy if that happens and if I manage to get one or two players out. That would already be a lot for me. This is one of the reasons that pushed me to come back.
How did this project take shape?
Some people from the selection worked with the president, through his brand (Skita, Editor’s note). So we talked about it. I asked him: “It is with you that the representatives of Madagascar worked? “Because before the CAN we were looking for equipment. He explained to me why it didn’t happen then, and I then bounced off that. Why not work with the selection again since we don’t have a brand? Then he said to me: “Look, if I’m working with someone I trust, why not! “From there, the discussion developed:” If we have to work together, don’t you bother having some young people in Madagascar take tests? This is the starting point of the project.
Have you thought about replaying or reliving in Madagascar?
Precisely, I had a discussion with a very close friend of mine on this subject. He is president of a club there, and before my return to France he suggested that I go play with them. My former club also contacted me for a role of player who supervises young people – which is also part of my project – but I had to come back to France in relation to my wife’s work. Who knows in the future?
We talked about your project to help young people in Madagascar. Can you tell us more about it ?
My goal today is to be able to get a few young people out. One, two or maybe more. But more than at present. Every time I return to Madagascar, I feel what they (the locals, Editor’s note) feel about football… That’s why I want to help. There is quality, but it is very difficult for them to leave Madagascar. Everyone thinks about their interests, as long as they don’t get any money the player is stuck, etc. I’ve been through that too. If you don’t give money to so and so … And lots of other things. It’s pitiful. It is also because of this that Malagasy football is blocked. Yes, we had results at the CAN (quarter-finals in 2019, editor’s note), but with mainly expatriates who are already in France. So if there are one or two locals that I manage to get out, it’s already a victory for me, and for the country. We talk a lot but nothing is done. There are criticisms, but not to advance. It goes around in circles and nothing really moves. We must act.
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