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Patrice, we’re in Zurich this evening with all the selected players of various world teams.
Are you happy with this selection ?
Yes, very much, especially because players themselves also take part in this vote; so yes - I’m very happy.
Your last season was fantastic, playing for Manchester,
but also now with the French team, during the Mundial.
The best moments of 2009 were definitely our winning these 3 titles.
Still: one deception remains – losing the final game against Barcelona; it’s the one bad memory of 2009.
You see, I’m someone who’d like to win all the matches. This one defeat in the Champions League simply hurts.
What do you think of the other players who are part of the team?
The problem is that I don’t really know who they are!
... Casillas, Terry, you, Vidic, Gerrard, Iniesta, Alves, Xavi, Torres, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo ...
Well, they’re all great players, so I’m more than happy to be in this team,
particularly because Vidic will be there too, who joined Manchester at the same time I did, 4 years ago,
so it looks like we’re sharing this nomination. It’s also great to know that men like Cristiano,
even if he went to Madrid, are still at the top of their capacities.
I also really admire Gerrard, Steven Gerrad, who for me is the best English player.
His being here seems more than logical.
Is there anything you’d like to say to all the players in the world who voted for you?
First of all, say thank you! It’s a huge sign of respect and I hope I’ll go on meeting their expectations.
If they elected me, it’s probably due to my qualities. So Many Thanks! and go on enjoying my game.
Many players around the world gave you their votes. Now tell me: being an important actor in the team, what do you think
you can do, with FIFpro, for all the other players in the world?
In Africa, in Asia, in Latin America, some of those boys are simply fighting for their daily bread.
Well, helping others throughout the world thanks to this association always implies finances first, of course.
On top of that comes the image of the football world. To me, football is like a huge family and
of course I also try support charity organisations and other movements, thinking of all those who cannot be here.
Then I’d like to say to all those fellers who were not elected today that they should never stop believing in themselves and
go on playing and training because all that counts is the quality of their work. And one day, they will be standing here too.
What do you hope 2010 will bring you?
2010 ? To start with, winning the title a 4th time, with Manchester, because it would be an historical moment.
And then, win the Champions League title because we never really got over losing it, last year.
Even though I won it once, already, I’d love to do it again!
That is my true aim: gain the title with Manchester and in the Champions League.
Patrice: many thanks for this!