“I didn’t choose AS Monaco, the club chose me!”
For the third year of affiliation, asmonaco.com is continuing its “Everywhere Always” series, dedicated to supporters of the Red and Whites. On the occasion of the 3rd episode of the season, meet François, originally from Dunkirk, resident of Reims and fan of AS Monaco.
This Sunday (1 p.m.), AS Monaco will take to the lawn of the Stade de Reims, on behalf of the 8th day of Ligue 1. On this occasion, François Lecouf, 40, history teacher, resident of Reims and originally from Dunkirk, will make the trip. This father of two, an AS Monaco fan for more than 30 years, tells us about his love for the jersey at the Diagonale. Meeting in this new episode of Everywhere Always, with our partner Triangle interim. Interview.
I’ve been a fan since 1991, and my passion clearly comes from my godmother, who is from Dunkirk like me. She moved to Menton to follow her husband who was a customs officer. One day, when she went back to Dunkirk, she gave me an AS Monaco jersey. From that moment, I fell in love with the Diagonale.
Supporter of AS Monaco
Hello Francois. How did this passion for the Club come to you?
I’ve been a fan since 1991, and my passion clearly comes from my godmother, who is from Dunkirk like me. She moved to Menton to follow her husband who was a customs officer. One day, when she went back to Dunkirk, she gave me an AS Monaco jersey. From that moment, I fell in love with the Diagonale.
So I started watching AS Monaco, especially Rui Barros, a small Portuguese midfielder that I adored. In 1992, I had the chance to go to Monaco, and there it was over (laughs). I didn’t choose Monaco, Monaco chose me!
What are your first memories with AS Monaco?
The 1991 Coupe de France final against Marseille was crazy! Otherwise, the match during the 1999-2000 season in Troyes. I go to the stands and not to the parking lot, and I am roomed because I came with my jersey from my idol Marco Simone. But after five minutes he opened the scoring and at halftime, we won 3-0! (final score 4-1).
Speaking of which, who are your favorite players past and present?
One from yesterday, Marco Simone. A second would be Ludovic Giuly. But Simone, there was something. He is Italian, he played for the great Milan. It’s a slap in the face (laughs), but I loved it! Today Mohamed Camara without hesitation! He has an excellent state of mind, and does us a lot of good in midfield. This player has something chosen, a natural leadership. He brings pressure in the middle, I love it. He runs smart, he recovers. It is the profile that we lacked.
So, we suspect that you have already traveled?
Wow… (He thinks) Auxerre, Paris, Lille, Lens, Sedan, Reims, Monaco, Bruges. I must have done at least fifty. This year, I haven’t traveled yet, but I’m going to fix the anomaly in Reims! In general I try to go to Reims because I live there, Troyes, Lens and Lille. My first trip was to Auxerre.
At Lens last season. It was my first real “air conditioning” at the stadium. But apart from that I had an appointment with Lensois supporters and it was very friendly, on a drunk together (smile). I was even interviewed by Belgian television about Philippe Clément.
Supporter of AS Monaco
Besides, is it not difficult to support a club other than the one in your region?
No, because as I said, I travel a lot. Well, less since I became a dad but it makes sense. In the Grand Est, we are lucky to have many clubs in Ligue 1 or Ligue 2 with Strasbourg, Metz, Troyes and Reims! Paris and the North are not far either so no it’s not difficult, because I can follow my Club!
The problem is the Champions League, it’s complicated to organize. So I only did one, in Bruges. For the record, I should have gone to the Emirates against Arsenal when we won 3-1, but my daughter decided to be born that day!
So you must have a travel story!
At Lens last season. It was my first real “air conditioning” at the stadium. But apart from that I had an appointment with Lensois supporters and it was very friendly, on a drunk together (smile). I was even interviewed by Belgian television about Philippe Clément.
But this meeting gave me a lot of feelings. It’s my best trip. I didn’t even have to be at the match, it’s a friend from the North that I know via the networks who took my place and if he comes to Reims, I take it with pleasure. This is where we see that AS Monaco is a big family.
Another memory, in Sedan in the Coupe de la Ligue during our first season in Ligue 2 (in 2011-2012 editor’s note). We lose 4-1, but what a memory! It was magic, we didn’t stop singing, it was superb. The same season, when we were last in Ligue 2, I made all possible trips, because I was afraid that the club would disappear!
And finally, your prediction against Reims?
Stade de Reims will not give up, they will seek a draw. They are a very defensive team and I find that Monaco is stronger against teams that want to play, that was seen in Paris and against Lyon. But I announce a 1-3. And I feel that Wissam Ben Yedder will go there with his double!
find the agency Interim Triangle of Reims (51100)