The Champions League quarterfinals between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa this Wednesday evening has a special flavor for David Ginola, who wore the colors of the two clubs during his rich career. Requested by The team To evoke this unpublished duel and its European memories, the former French international, whose heart clearly leans on the Parisian side, has plunged back into its great battles on the continental scene.
Asked about the most formidable opponent he ever crossed, Ginola did not hesitate, designating an individual performance which left him speechless during a memorable C1 semi-final. A player whose talent and intelligence of play have marked him forever.
Ginola against Grand Milan in 1995
This artist who impressed David Ginola so much is none other than Dejan Savićević. The Montenegrin “genius” had martyred PSG in the AC Milan jersey during the semi-final return of the Champions League, on April 19, 1995. Author of a double that evening in San Siro (Milan 2-0 victory), Savićević had dazzled Ginola by his crazy class. “His ease in the foot was something”, recalls the former Parisian in the columns of The teambefore adding : “And at the same time, he knew how to be forgotten to arise at the right time. »» A mixture of technical virtuosity and tactical malice that characterized this extraordinary player.
The name that David Ginola will never forget: his ultimate opponent revealed!
For Ginola, confront this legendary AC Milan and a Savićević caliber player represented the ultimate in the European challenge. The ability of Montenegrin to combine a supreme technique to a rare movement intelligence made it a constant poison for the opposing defenses. This unforgettable memory recalls the requirement and the level of excellence required to shine in the biggest competitions. It is undoubtedly this type of marking individual performance that David Ginola hopes, secretly or not, seeing on the Parisian side against Aston Villa.
While PSG and Aston Villa are preparing to meet the iron, the evocation of Dejan Savićević by David Ginola puts in perspective the rich history of the Champions League, populated by exceptional players capable of leaving an indelible imprint. If his heart will be Parisian this Wednesday, “El Magnifico” knows better than anyone than an individual feat, like that of Savićević in 1995, can change the course of a double confrontation. It is up to the two teams to be inspired by the two teams to make an impression on their turn.
