Emmanuel Petit, Tribute and emotion

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By: Nicolas Gerbault

Emmanuel Petit, Tribute and emotion

Who is the top scorer of the French team at the 1998 World Cup? It is indeed Thierry Henry, future top scorer in the history of the tricolor selection (then exceeded by Olivier Giroud), who made the nets tremble three times in the first round, with a goal against South Africa at the Vélodrome and a double against Saudi Arabia six days later at the Stade de France. Lilian Thuram, Emmanuel Petit and Zinédine Zidane all scored two goals during this legendary epic.

“Manu” Petit is one of the great guys from AimĂ© Jacquet's team during this coronation. The left-wing defensive midfielder gave victory to the Blues in the third group match against Denmark (2-1), in Lyon, while the coach had turned a bit. And he is obviously the author of the third goal of the final won against Brazil (3-0), on July 12, 1998, after the double of the head of “Zizou”. At the end of additional time (93rd), launched by his teammate of Arsenal Patrick Vieira, Petit crossed his strike to deceive Claudio Taffarel, in an incredible jubilation.

Now working on RMC in theAfter football, In order to analyze the big matches, Emmanuel Petit was arrested by a listener who is quite moved to speak to one of his idols. “Manu, you made me dream after scoring the 3rd goal, I fell at the same time as you, it's you. Zidane ok, but it was you who gave me the thrill, it is thanks to you that we said to ourselves: it's good, we have it ”launched this listener on the phone. “Thank you, that's nice”replied the one who was then European champion in 2000 with France (without entering the final against Italy).

Emmanuel Petit first defender

The listener continued: “I remember you with your old -fashioned double, with your magnificent mustache in Monaco. And super retraining in a defensive midfielder. Go from stopper to 6, huge “. Spotted in Normandy by the Rocher club, Emmanuel Petit was trained at ASM to be launched at the age of 18 by Arsène Wenger, in March 1989, at the post of left side. He then became a holder with the Monegasques in a central hinge alongside Roger Mendy, to start in the France team in 1990 under the orders of Michel Platini. Yes, Petit was a defender when he won the French Cup against OM in 1991 (1-0) and in the 1992 Cup Cup final against the Werder Bremen (0-2).

Upon the arrival of Franck Dumas in 1992 and with the emergence of Lilian Thuram, Petit was replaced defensive midfielder, his training position, and became a crack in the French D1. He thus scored five goals in 292 matches with the ASM (without ever registering double as the RMC listener claimed), to be crowned champion of France in 1997 under the orders of Jean Tigana, with Sonny Anderson, Thierry Henry and Victor Ikpeba in front. One year before the 98 World Cup, without necessarily being in the small paper of Aimé Jacquet, he tried his luck abroad by finding Arsène Wenger. Betting out at Arsenal has made it a must among the Blues.

Nicolas Gerbault

Written by:

Nicolas Gerbault

Nicolas Gerbault is a passionate and knowledgeable football enthusiast with a special focus on French football. Born and raised in France, Nicolas discovered his love for the beautiful game at a young age and developed a deep understanding of the ins and outs of "Le Championnat." His French roots and extensive experience in football journalism have made him an invaluable asset to the French Football Weekly team. As an author for the website, his expertise includes not only in-depth analysis of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches but also insightful profiles of up-and-coming talents, detailed transfer news, and engaging coverage of the French national team. His captivating writing style and undeniable passion for the game have earned him a loyal following among our readers. When he's not crafting engaging articles for French Football Weekly, Nicolas enjoys attending live matches whenever he can, exploring football culture in various French cities, and engaging in spirited debates with fellow fans.