Tony Parker Interview

[fred33]

Tony Parker est aux anges. Sa deuxième nomination consécutive au All-Star Game par les entraîneurs de la NBA vient couronner une première moitié de saison au cours de laquelle le meneur français des San Antonio Spurs s'est davantage affirmé dans le jeu. Et même si sa présence à Las Vegas, le 18 février, est discutée outre-Atlantique, TP n'en reste pas moins sûr de lui, de son basket ainsi que des chances texanes dans la course au titre. "Il faudra être prêt au bon moment", assure-t-il. En attendant, les étoiles s'impatientent.

TP peut regarder au ciel. Il sera bien l'un des étoiles du All-Star Game, à Las Vegas.Cette année, le All-Star Game est organisé à Las Vegas alors que les quatre sports majeurs aux Etats-Unis sont réticents à s'implanter dans la ville. Qu'est-ce que vous pensez de ce choix de localisation ?
Je trouve que c'est une bonne idée parce que Las Vegas est une ville qui adore le sport. C'est vrai qu'il y a pas mal de choses négatives ici, notamment les boîtes de nuit ou les jeux d'argent. On peut donc comprendre pourquoi un club professionnel n'aimerait pas y jouer. Mais pour un évènement comme le All-Star Game, c'est une bonne chose de venir à Vegas ne serait-ce que pour les sponsors ou la promotion du basket et de la NBA.

Est-ce que vous en voulez au public de ne pas avoir voté massivement pour vous, ce qui vous oblige à être repêché par les coaches ?
Pas du tout ! Je pense que le public a quand même voté pour moi. D'ailleurs je remercie tous ceux qui étaient derrière moi et qui m'ont soutenu. De toute façon, pour être au All-Star Game, la concurrence est forcément rude, il y a de très bons joueurs devant moi. Je suis content de la manière dont s'est déroulée la campagne puisque beaucoup de Français ont voté. Le but était avant tout de faire connaître le All-Star Game en France car beaucoup de gens ne savent pas ce que c'est réellement.

Est-ce que vous avez un commentaire à faire sur les deux sélections Est et Ouest et plus particulièrement le fait que Carmelo Anthony ne soit pas retenu ?
Franchement, pour Carmelo, je ne sais pas. Les médias américains ne comprennent pas non plus. Peut-être que sa suspension de 15 matches (suite à une rixe contre des joueurs de New York, ndlr) a joué. Il y a aussi une rumeur selon laquelle pas mal de coaches n'aiment pas trop son jeu. Et puis, c'est un ailier et à ce poste, il y a quand même la concurrence de Shawn Marion (Phoenix Suns) et Carlos Boozer (Utah Jazz). A ce niveau, on ne peut pas dire que les joueurs sélectionnés ne méritent pas leur place, Marion et Boozer font tous les deux des grosses saisons. Même si selon moi Carmelo Anthony méritait, c'est aussi la preuve qu'être retenu au All-Star Game, c'est très difficile.

"Je fais un peu partie de la famille maintenant"

Comment a réagi votre entourage sur cette nouvelle nomination au All-Star Game ?
Mon père et mes frères étaient tous très contents pour moi. Ils savent ce que j'ai dû réaliser pour en arriver là et ils seront tous présents, à Vegas, pour passer un grand moment avec pas mal de frissons au moment où mon nom sera prononcé lors de la présentation. En plus, ça fera un nouveau maillot que mon père pourra accrocher dans sa chambre !

L'an passé, vous étiez arrivés au All-Star Game avec les yeux d'un enfant autour de toutes ces stars. Désormais, est-ce que vous êtes plus détaché par rapport à ça ?
C'est vrai que l'année dernière, j'avais un regard de fan, tout heureux d'être à côté de Kobe Bryant, de Kevin Garnett et compagnie. Les cinq premières minutes, j'avais même du mal à réaliser que j'étais au All-Star Game. Mais cette fois, je prends cette sélection comme si je faisais un peu partie de la famille. Du coup, je pense que je serai moins timide sur le parquet. Mais attention, ça ne m'empêche pas d'être super content quand je suis sélectionné !

En tout cas, à vous entendre, vous semblez avoir pris beaucoup d'assurance...
J'ai toujours eu confiance en moi même si c'est vrai que je faisais toujours attention à ce que je disais à la presse française. Quand j'affirmais que j'allais jouer en NBA, les gens pensaient que j'avais la grosse tête (sic). Mais je le répète, j'ai toujours eu confiance en moi.

C'est votre deuxième All-Star Game de suite. Est-ce que vous pensez avoir progressé depuis l'année dernière et dans quels domaines ?
Oui, j'ai l'impression d'avoir progressé, comme chaque année d'ailleurs. Je pense être plus adroit dans mes tirs extérieurs, plus régulier aux lancers-francs. Je continue également de progresser au niveau du leadership, de mon impact sur le jeu et sur l'équipe. Cela fait plaisir d'être récompensé par les entraîneurs. J'ai toujours dit que le travail payait.

"Je ne ferai jamais l'unanimité"

Pourtant, votre nomination au match des étoiles a fait débat dans les médias américains, à Phoenix et à Dallas plus précisément. Selon vous, qu'est-ce qui vous manque pour faire l'unanimité ?
Je pense que je ne ferai jamais l'unanimité dans la presse tout simplement parce que j'évolue à San Antonio et qu'on n'est pas dans un gros marché. En plus, tous nos matches ne sont pas retransmis. Vous savez, je ne peux pas tout contrôler avec les médias, je ne suis pas un joueur qui met des dunks sur tout le monde. Maintenant, les coaches, eux, savent ce que je vaux.

Par rapport à la saison dernière, vous avez exactement les mêmes statistiques à part le nombre de tirs à trois points. Pensez-vous devoir en faire encore plus dans ce domaine ?
Non, je pense que ça va venir petit à petit. C'est vrai que lors de la première saison, je shootais beaucoup à trois points mais sur les deux derniers exercices, j'ai réduit un peu mes tentatives. J'essaie d'avoir une meilleure sélection de tirs justement pour avoir un pourcentage plus important. Donc pour l'instant, je garde mes habitudes de l'année dernière à savoir me rapprocher du cercle. Les trois points, ça viendra après, je suis toujours entrain de travailler dans ce secteur. J'ai encore le temps. Mais personnellement, je suis satisfait de ma sélection de tirs, j'essaie de faire les bons choix à chaque possession.

Tony, parlez-nous un peu des Spurs et de la forte concurrence à l'Ouest...
Cette saison, on a des hauts et des bas, c'est certain. Notre équipe est vieillissante et on a du mal à enclencher les "back-to-back" (séries de matches consécutifs, ndlr). Mais tant qu'on progresse et qu'on arrive à garder un certain rythme, on essaiera d'être le plus performant au bon moment c'est-à-dire aux play-offs. Ça peut paraître étrange mais on est prêt à tous les matches, toutes les rencontres sont serrées. La seule différence, c'est qu'il y a deux ans, on les gagnait et que cette année, la roue tourne. Ce qui est sûr, c'est qu'il va falloir qu'on remporte des gros matches à l'extérieur si on veut avoir l'avantage du terrain en phase finale parce qu'on a pris du retard sur Dallas et Phoenix. Ils jouent bien mieux que nous, là-dessus il n'y a pas photo mais quand les play-offs arriveront, on aura autant de chances qu'eux d'aller en finales NBA.

Justement, est-ce que la première moitié de saison d'enfer de Dallas vous met plus de pression ?
Non, pas du tout. Par exemple, l'année dernière, Detroit avait dominé toute la saison avec plus de 65 matches gagnés alors que Miami avait perdu toutes ses confrontations contre les équipes du Top 5. Et au final, ce sont les Heat qui ont terminé champion NBA. Nous, pour l'instant, on perd encore trop de rencontres bêtement. Les autres équipes viennent chez nous pour battre les Spurs et sortent leur meilleur match de la saison. A domicile, on a un peu de mal à gérer ça. Le but, c'est d'être prêt au bon moment, on garde cela en tête. On devra jouer notre meilleur basket quand les play-offs vont démarrer.

[romain.star]

tu chopes ça où? dans L'équipe?

[fred33]

C4ESU INTERVIEW QUE TONY A FAITE MERCRESI WWW.SPORTS.FR

[BgT]

Teg I'kaul fóh uiet ghol.

[romain.star]

g un pote qui bosse sur sports.fr
ils sont à fond sur phoenix dans la rédaction

[Windbush]

Tony Parker is with the angels. Its second consecutive nomination with the Game All-Star by the trainers of the NBA comes to crown a first half of season during which the French leader of San Antonio Spurs more affirmed himself in the play. And even if its presence in Las Vegas, February 18, is discussed on the other side of the Atlantic, TP does not remain less sure about it of him, of its tennis shoe as well as chances texanes in the race with the title. "It will be necessary to be ready at the good moment", ensures it. While waiting, the stars are impatientent. TP can look with the sky. It will be well one of stars of the Game All-Star, in Las Vegas.Cette year, the Game All-Star is organized in Las Vegas whereas the four major sports in the United States are reticent to be established in the city. What do you think this choice of localization? I find that it is a good idea because Las Vegas is a city which adores the sport. It is true that there are no badly negative things here, in particular the night clubs or the money plays. One can thus include/understand why a professional club would not like to play there. But for an event like the Game All-Star, it is a good thing to come in Vegas would be this only for the sponsors or the promotion of the tennis shoe and the NBA. You please some with the public massively not have voted for you, which obliges you to be fished out by the coaches? At all! I think that the public nevertheless voted for me. Moreover I thank all those which were behind me and which supported me. In any event, to be to the Game All-Star, competition is inevitably hard, there are very good players in front of me. I am content with the way in which the countryside was held since much French voted. The goal was above all to make known the Game All-Star in France bus much of people do not know what it is really. Do you have a comment to make on the two selections East and West and more particularly the fact that Carmelo Anthony is not retained? Frankly, for Carmelo, I do not know. The American media do not include/understand either. Perhaps that its suspension of 15 matches (following a brawl counters players of New York, note) played. There is also a rumour according to which not badly of coaches do not like too its play. And then, it is a winger and at this station, there are nevertheless the competition of Shawn Marion (Suns Phoenix) and Carlos Boozer (Utah Jazz). This level, one cannot say that the selected players do not deserve their place, Marion and Boozer makes every both of the large seasons. Even if in my opinion Carmelo Anthony deserved, it is as the proof as to be retained with the Game All-Star, it is very difficult. "I now form a little part of the family" How did your entourage react on this new nomination to the Game All-Star? My father and my brothers all were very content for me. They know what I had to carry out to arrive from there there and they all will be present, in Vegas, to spend a great moment with step badly of shivers at the time when my name will be pronounced at the time of the presentation. Moreover, that will make a new shirt which my father will be able to hang in his room! The year spent, you had arrived to the Game All-Star with the eyes of a child around all these stars. From now on, are you detached more compared to that? It is true that last year, I had a glance of fan, very happy to be beside Kobe Bryant, of Kevin Garnett and company. The first five minutes, I had even evil to realize that I was to the Game All-Star. But this time, I take this selection as if I formed a little part of the family. Blow, I think that I will be less timid on the parquet floor. But attention, that does not prevent me from being super content when I am selected! In any case, to hear you, you seem to have taken much insurance... I always relied on me even if it is true that I always paid attention so that I said to the French press. When I affirmed that I was going to play in NBA, people thought that I had the large head (sic). But I repeat it, I always relied on me. It is your second Game All-Star of continuation. Do you think of having progressed since last year and in which fields? Yes, I have the impression to have progressed, like each year besides. I think of being more skilful in my shootings external, more regular with the throws-frank. I also continue to progress on the level of the leadership, of my impact on the play and the team. That given pleasure of being rewarded by the trainers. I always said that work paid. "I will never achieve the unanimity" However, your nomination with the match of stars made debate in the American media, in Phoenix and Dallas more precisely. According to you, what misses to you to achieve the unanimity? I think that I will never achieve the unanimity in the press quite simply because I evolve/move in San Antonio and that one is not in a large market. Moreover, all our matches is not retransmitted. You know, I cannot all control with the media, I am not a player who puts dunks on everyone. Now, the coaches, them, know what I am worth. Compared to last season, you have exactly the same statistics with share the number of shootings at three points. Do you think of having to make some even more in this field? Not, I think that that will come gradually. It is true that at the time of the first season, I shootais much at three points but out of the last two exercises, I reduced my attempts a little. I try to have a better selection of shootings to precisely have a more important percentage. Thus for the moment, I keep my practices of year last to know to bring me closer to the circle. The three points, that will come afterwards, I am always spirit to work in this sector. I still have time. But personally, I am satisfied with my selection of shootings, I try to make the good choices with each possession. Tony, speak to us a little about Spurs and the strong competition in the West... This season, there are tops and bottoms, it is certain. Our team is growing old and there is evil to engage the "back-to-back" (consecutive series of matches, note). But as long as one progresses and that one manages to keep a certain rate/rhythm, one will try to be most powerful at the good time i.e. with the play-offs. That can appear strange but one is ready with all the matches, all the meetings are tight. The only difference, it is that two years ago, one gained them and that this year, the wheel turns. What is sure, it is that it will be necessary that large matches outside is gained if one wants to have the advantage of the ground in final phase because one took delay on Dallas and Phoenix. They play well better than us, on top there is not photo but when the play-offs arrive, one has as many chances as them to go in finales NBA. Precisely, does first half of season of hell of Dallas put more pressure to you? Not, at all. For example, last year, Detroit had dominated all the season with more than 65 matches gained whereas Miami had lost all its confrontations against the teams of Signal 5. And with final, they are Heat which finished champion NBA. Us, for the moment, one still loses too many meetings stupidly. The other teams come on our premises to beat Spurs and leave their best match the season. With residence, there is a little evil to manage that. The goal, it is to be ready at the good moment, one keeps that at the head. One will have to play our best tennis shoe when the play-offs will start.

[boutons_]

Tony Parker is in heaven. His second consecutive nomination to the NBA All-Stars by NBA coaches crowns the first half of the season where the French point guard of the San Antonio Spurs affirmed his play. Even as his appearance in Las Vega 18 Feb is discussed overseas, TP remains sure of himself, his team, as well as their chances for a title. "You have to be ready when the time comes", he says. Meanwhile, the stars are waiting.

Tony can look at the heavens. He will be one of the stars at the All-Star game in Las Vegas. This year, the All-Star game est is at Las Vegas, while the 4 other major sports are reticents to set up there.

What do you think about this Las Vegas site?

"I think it's a good idea because Las Vegas loves sports. It's true there are some negatives here, mainly the nighclubs and casinos. One can understand why a pro team wouldn't like to play here. But for an All-Star game, it's good to come to Las Vegas for promoting the sponsors and promotion of the NBA.

Are you disappointed that the public didn't vote heavily for you,which meant that the coaches had to select you?

"Not at all! I think the public has anyway voted for me. I thank everybody who supported me. Anyway, for the All-Star game, the competition is tough. There are very good players ahead of me. I am happy about the campaign because a lot of French people voted. The goal was above all make the All-Star Game known in France because a lot of people didn't really know what it was.


Do you have anything to say about the East and West winners, particularly that Carmelo Anthony wasn't selected?

Honestly, for Carmelo, I don't know. The US media does't understand either.
Maybe his 15-game suspension (after a fight with the Knicks) was a factor. There is also a rumor that a lot of coaches don't like his game very much. And then, he's a small forward, and at that position, there is competition from Shawn Marion (Phoenix Suns) and Carlos Boozer (Utah Jazz). At that level, one can't say the winners didn't merit their selection. Marion and Boozer are both having great seasons. Even if I think the Carmelo Anthony merited selection, it also shows how difficult it is to make the All-Star Game.

I'm a little bit a member of the family now.

How did your entourage react to your selection to the All-Star Game?

My father and my brothers were very happy for me. They knew what I had to do make it and they will all be in Las Vegas, to experience the great thrill when my name will be announced. And also that will be a new jersey for my fatther to hang in his bedroom!

Last year, you came to the All-Star Game with a kid's eyes among all the stars. This year, are more detached from it?

Yes, last year I was was like a fan, happy to be alongside Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, and others. For the first 5 minutes, I didn't realize that I was really in the All-Star game. But this time, I see my choice somewhat as if I were a member of the family. I think I will be a little less timid on the court. But wait, that doesn't mean I'm not super pleased to have been selected

In any case, listening to you, you seem to have gain a lot of confidence...

I've always had confidence in myself even if it's true that I was always careful about what I said to the French press. When I said I was going to play in the NBA, people thought I had a big head. But I repeat, I've always had confidence in myself.

It's your second consecutive All-Star Game. Do you think you have progressed since last year, and in which areas?


Yes, I think I've progresssed, like each year. I think my outside shooting is better, more consistent in my lancers-francs (lay ups?). I also continue to progress in leadship, in my impact on the game and on my team. It's a great pleausre to be selected by the coaches. I've always said the work pays off.

I'll never be a unanimous choice

However, your selection to the All-Star game is debated in the US media, notably at Phonix and Dallas. What do you think you're missing to be a unanimous selection?

I don't think I'll ever be a unanimous choice by the press simply because I play in San Antonio and it's not a major market. Furhermore, not all of our games are broadcast. You know I can't manage the media, I'm not a player who dunks on everybody. Now, the coahches know my value.

Compared to last years, you have the same stats except for 3G. Do you think you can do better in that area?

No, I think it will come little by little. It's true that during my first year, I shot a lot of 3Gs mais during the past 2 seasons, I shot less. I try to have a better shot selection in order to have a higher percentage. So for now, I'll keep shooting like last year, closer to the basket. The 3Gs, they'll come later, I'm always practicing my 3Gs. I have time. But personally, I'm happy with my shot selection. I try to make a good choice in each possession.

Tony, let's talk aobut the Spurs and the strong competition in the WC ...

This season, we've been up and down, for sure. Our team is getting old and has difficulty with back-to-backs. But we're making progress and we're getting a rythym. We'll try to be better at the right time, in the playoffs. That may sound strange, but we're ready for all the games, all the games will be tough. The main difference compared with 2 years ago when we won them, but this year, we don't. What is sure is that we have to win the big road games if we want to have home court advantage in the last stages because we are behind Dallas and Phoenix. They are playing better than us. In the playoffs, we'll have the same chance as them to make the Finals.

Exactly, does Dallas' great first half of the season mean more pressure on the Spurs?

No, not at all. For example, last years, Detroit dominated all season with more the 65 wins while Miami lost all its games against the Top 5. But in the Finals, it was the Heat who finished on top. The Spurs, now, lose too many games stupidly. The other teams come to ATT to beat the Spurs and leave having played their best game of the season. At home, we have a problem there. The goal, to be ready at the right time, we keep that in mind. We have to play our best basketball when the playoffs starts.

[Solid D]

Thanks fred33 and thanks boutons!

Tony has matured in his answers to the press, to be sure. I liked his response to the question about if he was disappointed the fans didn't vote enough for him but the coaches had to select him for the All-Star Game. He immediately thanked the fans who did vote for him.

[ArgSpursFan]

hey,by the way you french Pals
yeaterday´s international soccer game
Argentine 1 vs France 0
from an Argentinian friend

Argspursfan.

[JPB]

hey,by the way you french Pals
yeaterday´s international soccer game
Argentine 1 vs France 0
from an Argentinian friend

Argspursfan.

Who cares about soccer ???

[ArgSpursFan]

Who cares about soccer ???

french and Arg. people for example

[ginobili fan]

Yeah argentina>france in soccer and basketball.

[romain.star]

wait a little bit......
first there're people who care about FOOTBALL (don't know what you fucking mean with soccer)
second, france has the best records since 1998 (one world title, one european title, one final that should have ended with victory) wheres argentina kind of suck (1/4 in 1998, don't even need to say anything about 2002, 1/4 final in 2006) and despite yesterday game, i bet France will get its second star on its shirt before Argentina gets its third.

BTW great game for Saviola

[ginobili fan]

I agree but I'm saying right now:argentina>france in soccer and basketball.
Maybe one day france could beat them and even the usa team in basketball but right now...
And for the soccer, france isn't the "same france" since zidane retired.It's true.

[ArgSpursFan]

wait a little bit......
first there're people who care about FOOTBALL (don't know what you fucking mean with soccer)
second, france has the best records since 1998 (one world title, one european title, one final that should have ended with victory) wheres argentina kind of suck (1/4 in 1998, don't even need to say anything about 2002, 1/4 final in 2006) and despite yesterday game, i bet France will get its second star on its shirt before Argentina gets its third.

BTW great game for Saviola

I´m not gonna star a Futbol Thread here,but I must say That Argentine played better yesterday,and now that Trezeget is old and Iguahin won´t play for france,you won´t be able to score as much as you did with your Argentian talent playing for france.
oh, and by the way if you´d like to talk about history,Argentina won the world cup 2 times and got a 2nd place 2 times as well+4 American cups and 1 Olympic Gold medal in Athens.
BTW, yes it was a great game for saviola,but he can do better tham that.

[ginobili fan]

The problem with saviola is that he has poor physical skills,a poor body ...It's a big big problem,he's just good to play 45 min.
And trezguet is finished,and the most important thing,the best player of the futball hystory has gone:ZIDANE.

[cheguevara]

France is old and finished in futbol.

[romain.star]

trezeguet has not played a good game for france since the euro 2000 final...
so it's no big deal.... as for zizou... he'll come back... he has signed today with Lyon a 4 years deal... well.. that's a dream but still i wasn't saying you guys have a crap selection... People here admire the argentinian style and its players both technical and physical...

[cheguevara]

u do know that Trezeget is really from Argentina right? :lol

[romain.star]

France is old and finished in futbol.

That's exactly what people said 8 months ago..... so watch your mouth

[ArgSpursFan]

u do know that Trezeget is really from Argentina right? :lol

I would say 10% of the french team are from France itself.
the rest are guys are from other countries who happen to be under french goverment or the french flag(invaded countries)
no offense at all,but it´s the truth.

[WalterBenitez]

Who cares about soccer ???
Mostly of the globe named Earth ...let me be clear ... all countries of these world not named USA :wakeup

[WalterBenitez]

The only good thing that came lately from France are Anne Parillaud, Champagne and TP... in football (the real one that is played with feet) they play good, but trend to lost their head. :smokin

[romain.star]

I would say 10% of the french team are from France itself.
the rest are guys are from other countries who happen to be under french goverment or the french flag(invaded countries)
no offense at all,but it´s the truth.

I can't let you go with it.... Lebron is black but he's not african is he? The some for 90% of the american NBA players...

All of them are french... born in france (paris for most of them). Being french nowadays doesn't mean being a ''white Jean Dupond''... France has become a multicultural society...

[fred33]

la reunion les antilles la martinique

[romain.star]

la reunion les antilles la martinique

that's france dude...

[Spurologist]

Who cares about soccer ???

:lol

Just everyone except the US

TP's answers are much different in English. Must be the translation. Congrats to TP - 2nd All Star Game

[ArgSpursFan]

I can't let you go with it.... Lebron is black but he's not african is he? The some for 90% of the american NBA players...

All of them are french... born in france (paris for most of them). Being french nowadays doesn't mean being a ''white Jean Dupond''... France has become a multicultural society...

oh,come on romain.If that´s the case nobody in Argentine would be Argentinian,we´d be Italians.Spanish,Poland etc etc etc.
I´m say by playing people from the country itself,like italy or spain do,for example.

[ArgSpursFan]

by the way zizu isn´t from Argelia?

[cheguevara]

oh,come on romain.If that´s the case nobody in Argentine would be Argentinian,we´d be Italians.Spanish,Poland etc etc etc.
I´m say by playing people from the country itself,like italy or spain do,for example.

man don't get confused. I'm guessing 75% of french players were born french. :lol

There are certain players though, that were born another nationality and they became French. I thought Trezeguet was born argentine.

Lebron is american 100% because he was born american. duh

[vander]

Who cares about soccer ???

soccer thrives in poorer countries because it's so easy to set up a game, all you need to set up a game is something that resembles a ball and 2 things you can kick it through.

whereas games like basketball, baseball, and football, require more elaborate and expensive equipment. in America this equipment is readily available, allowing the children to play and pursue their choice of any of the sports.

and when a choice is given, soccer is not chosen. it is an inferior sport, especially compared to football (strategy, diversity of positions and what they require of the player, entertainment value, etc.)

so take that all you soccer lovers
theres nothing interesting or exciting about 11 guys running around kicking a ball.

Soccer Sucks even if you call it football, or futbol
:p: :blah :blah

[romain.star]

by the way zizu isn´t from Argelia?

argelia? you mean algeria?
nop actually it's just one of his grand father who was born there but he's 100% french

Actually makele is the only one who was born in africa (he says he is 33 but actually he is 38 something...)
My only regret is Drogba.... he came in france when he was 5 years old and should have played for france but when the Ivory Cost selected him he was crap and thought he had no chance to be called up by france... too bad for france cause it'd be great to have him beside Thierry Henry...
otherwise, they're all french born players

[romain.star]

There are certain players though, that were born another nationality and they became French. I thought Trezeguet was born argentine.


Makele is the only one in the french squad

[romain.star]

and when a choice is given, soccer is not chosen. it is an inferior sport, especially compared to football (strategy, diversity of positions and what they require of the player, entertainment value, etc.)

so take that all you soccer lovers
theres nothing interesting or exciting about 11 guys running around kicking a ball.

There you are, the typical american dude with this amazing feeling of superiority.

Should have a look at Youtube's Highlights of Zizou, Maradonna or Ronaldhino
Get also tapes of games like:
- Manchester - Bayern Munich 1999 Champions League Final
- Liverpool - Milan AC 2005 CL final
or
- Argentina - England 1986 (and 1998)
- France Germany (1982)

Although a Spurs Mavs matchup means much more to me, Football is not the underdevelopped sport you think it is

[vander]

Should have a look at Youtube's Highlights of Zizou, Maradonna or Ronaldhino
Get also tapes of games like:
- Manchester - Bayern Munich 1999 Champions League Final
- Liverpool - Milan AC 2005 CL final
or
- Argentina - England 1986 (and 1998)
- France Germany (1982)

Although a Spurs Mavs matchup means much more to me, Football is not the underdevelopped sport you think it is

yeah, ronaldinho is awesome by himself, i loved those nike videos of him, then when the actual game is played, all that creativity and entertainment dissapears? those sweet skills become irrelevent in the games, where it's all about running faster and getting that one fast break that isn't offsides, or that one lucky corner kick

soccer will continue to decline, and football will continue to grow

[romain.star]

well before ''soccer'' is not the n°1 sport in the world, we will all be 6 feet under for a long long time

[Lady M]

There are certain players though, that were born another nationality and they became French. I thought Trezeguet was born argentine.


Makele is the only one in the french squad
Trezeguet was born in France so is born french
but he came to argentina very young 3 or4 years and return in France when he got 17.