"The current boat is the incarnation of football. It is part of the few teams that bring football to get its best"
The Frenchman Emmanuel Petit exfutbolista acknowledges that his favorite player is Cristiano Ronaldo, but emphasizes the category of Lionel Messi and Xavi Hernandez, the other two candidates for `Golden Ball´.
World Champion with France in 1998 and Europe 2000, Petit, who retired in 2004, shone in Monaco, Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea, and, while it evaluates the "clear supremacy of Spanish football," considers that the list of candidates " corresponds to what actually happens at this time. "
"In my opinion, all three deserve it. Xavi has redefined the position of midfielder organizer, while it has made progress. The man for all of the boat: the game channels, organize, make, pass ... Has one immense talent, "raves.
For its part, believes that "Lionel Messi exalts the whole of Barcelona": "It is outstanding.` It is a PlayStation player. "Still, I opted for Cristiano Ronaldo, and God knows I love the other two ! The Madrid has a context a little more complicated than Barcelona, but he has some impressive statistics. "
"After being King of England - add - did not hesitate to take a chance on a new challenge, going to Madrid. Has been able to assume their responsibilities fully, and may have more ability to score Argentina´s head. For a small, highlights it. But I hope that the two once and for all, yield to its highest level with their teams. "
Making a reminder of his career, stresses that the players who "loves" were Marco van Basten, Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane. "In my opinion, be `Golden Ball´ responds to many parameters and I think one key is an example off the field," says considering that big players will be out of the trophy by taking a defensive position, "Paolo Maldini, Lilian Thuram, Marcel Desailly and Franco Baresi were phenomena in the rear. may be a need to put a". "I CAME TO THE BOAT IN THE WORST MOMENT."
The Frenchman, who did not succeed in Spain, regrets that came "Barcelona at the worst possible time of the last 20 years." "Now I laugh, but then so was not joking, but I feel no bitterness. We were a group in order to cycle. Rivaldo, Pep Guardiola, the De Boer brothers were great players, but in decline. I included. There is the explanation. "
And it has nothing but praise for Barça. "It´s the one who monopolizes everything. It is the club that perfectly embodies the definition of modern football right now. Many are bored of seeing the passing of ten men, but their players have returned all their luster to terms such as pressure, recovery or possession of the ball. I think that the club now is the incarnation of football. It is part of the few teams who can carry the game to its fullest expression, such as Brazil of the 70 "he emphasizes. "FRANCE HAS NO ABILITY TO ASSUME ANY ROLE OF FAVORITE"
Looking ahead to the next Euro, Petit does not hesitate to ensure that at this time Laurent Blanc´s team "is not psychologically or football ability to assume any role of favorite." "Intrinsically, France has quality players, but it takes to perform at its peak with the selection. If we can get rid of the label´s favorite group, the better. As we demonstrated in the friendly matches against England earned or Brazil, we should not be favored, "he says.
"Blanc tries to do his best. I think we are getting. The `Bleus´ have a long unbeaten run. As for the game, we have a right to expect more, but he is the first to admit it," he says.
Considers that, after "deplorable image offered by the French, was suicidal be at the helm" so valued the work of the coach. "Now, no doubt feel frustrated that some players are very far from its potential with the national team," he argues.
"And that change must also frustrate generations: the game becomes a more individualized sport. Given these parameters, I think you`re doing a job that is right in front of the French" sentence, ensuring that no arises coach.