Milan, 22 June (LaPresse) – “Having worked at FIFA for 20 years, I can say that you can see how football is developing everywhere, and good teams and good players are emerging all over the place. We now see the top players all year round in Europe through the Champions League; it’s not as though new players are discovered at the World Cup.” This was stated by Michel Platini, former UEFA president, during a press conference in Turin at an event linked to the ‘Vialli e Mauro’ foundation. “I’ve seen very little, but the thing I liked – because you shouldn’t always criticise everything – is the presentation of the players. However, we’re only at the start; there are seven matches to go and the important thing is to win the last one,” he added, speaking about the World Cup. “On paper, France are favourites and can win, but the matches have to be played. France have some very strong players up front, but if they’re at 80 per cent and the others are at 100 per cent, it’s more complicated,” said Platini, who, on the subject of his future, clarified: “I have some plans, but more in an advisory capacity; I no longer wish to join a club, or UEFA, or FIFA.”
2026 World Cup, Platini: ‘France are the favourites; I won’t be returning to FIFA or UEFA’
Milan, 22 June (LaPresse) – “Having worked at FIFA for 20 years, I can say that you can see how football is developing everywhere, and good teams and good players are emerging all over the place. We now see the top players all year round in Europe through the Champions League; it’s not as though new players are discovered at the World Cup.” This was stated by Michel Platini, former UEFA president, during a press conference in Turin at an event linked to the ‘Vialli e Mauro’ foundation. “I’ve seen very little, but the thing I liked – because you shouldn’t always criticise everything – is the presentation of the players. However, we’re only at the start; there are seven matches to go and the important thing is to win the last one,” he added, speaking about the World Cup. “On paper, France are favourites and can win, but the matches have to be played. France have some very strong players up front, but if they’re at 80 per cent and the others are at 100 per cent, it’s more complicated,” said Platini, who, on the subject of his future, clarified: “I have some plans, but more in an advisory capacity; I no longer wish to join a club, or UEFA, or FIFA.”
