MICHEL PLATINI: I AM INTERESTED IN THE FUTURE OF FOOTBALL MORE THAN THE POLITICAL PROBLEMS

APA
15 Oct 2009 13:47

Bursa. Mayis Alizadeh – APA. UEFA President Michel Platini gave a
short interview to APA’s correspondent after Turkey-Armenia match in
Bursa Ataturk stadium.

-What would you like to say about Turkey-Armenia match? How will this
match help the establishment of peace in the region?

-I am not a politician. Football is a game for me. I am
French and unaware of the problems among Turkey, Armenia and
Azerbaijan. Therefore, I am interested in the future of football more
than these problems. The present generation likes to engage in the
past. I think we should escape the hardships of the past and think
about the common future. I have come to Turkey for this – to give a
message for common future.

-What would you like to say about the problems of football in
Azerbaijan?

-I know you sport minister and AFFA president. I believe that they want
to work to improve the football. Football is the business of players,
not of those who manage it. You can blame minister or federation
president when there are problems, but you should know that football
is the affair of players.

-Azerbaijan’s national football team is on the last places in the world
and European championship qualifiers. Do you think only footballers
are guilty?

-I believe that football will gradually develop in Azerbaijan. The
future of Azerbaijan’s football is as important for me as the future
of French football. My main task is to help children learn to play
football. Sport Minister, Football Federation give financial support,
buy shoes, uniforms for children and construct stadiums. You team
has recently played against Russia.

-I am unaware of it…

-The score was 1:1. Javadov scored the goal. Sometimes, it is necessary
to give up political issues and take interest in sport…