The lad gave a long interview to France Football newspaper published today. Amongst other things purely France related he said that he had already played in central midfield during the Euro '96 against the Netherlands and that one certain Pat a.k.a. Paddy in English (sorry Irish readers) kept on telling him how to play on that occasion.

And, roughly translated, he added : "It' s easy to play alongside Patrick, I' ve been knowing him for eight years. He is the cornerstone at Arsenal and on the pitch I ask him to speak to me. You can estimate the tremendous job he does by playing by his side. Methinks he will be given someday the (France Football) Golden Ball Award [...] I' d have nothing against if Wenger opted to play both of us in central midfield. This would allow me to improve my defensive play.

"During the Euro 2000 Nico and Manu advised me to play in England [...] I' ve had the chance to join a big club where the coach had faith in me. Arsène spoke to me, warned me about my entourage and insisted that I should trust in myself. I' m able to work calmly in London, I' m on my own with my wife whereas I didn' t dare to get rid of troublemakers beforehand (at his previous club Marseille, Ed).