Present during the “eToro Football on the Rock” event, the French tennis player agreed to answer our questions. He notably mentioned his memories of AS Monaco.
He is one of the greatest French tennis players in history. Gael Monfils, 36 today, has won 11 career titles and reached the semi-finals at Roland-Garros and the US Open. Present during the “eToro Football on the Rock“, he provided on-field interviews during the match between creators and players of the Elite Group. After the meeting, “la Monf’” took the time to answer some of our questions. Interview.
The gym is magnificent with the recovery area. I found it really great. The recovery and relaxation room is beautiful. I think the Club has pulled out all the stops so that the players can perform at a high level.
French tennis player
Hello Gael. Today you discovered the AS Monaco Performance Center. What are your impressions ?
I liked the infrastructure. The gym is magnificent with the recovery area. I found it really great. The recovery and relaxation room is magnificent. I think the Club has pulled out all the stops so that the players can perform at a high level.
What is your relationship with football?
I love football since I was very young. My father was a professional footballer and my favorite club is Paris. But as an athlete, we like to discover what is being done elsewhere. Like I said, I’ve been here a long time ago. To come back and see how it has changed in such a great way is amazing, I think. At the time, there was only one ground against three now. It makes me happy and whatever happens, AS Monaco is one of the biggest French clubs.
What exactly does AS Monaco remind you of?
Arsène Wenger necessarily because I am a big fan of him. In players, I am thinking of Thierry Henry because for me he was the ultimate player and he is also trained here. I have a lot of good memories of the Club like Ludovic Giuly, Patrice Evra, Jérôme Rothen or Fernando Morientes.
I find that having a good communion with your audience and your fans gives you wings and encourages you to surpass yourself. I try a lot to help myself with them when things aren’t going so well. As an athlete, there are days when it’s a little harder and when you have fans who push you, you forget this little less good side. It is easier to overcome.
French tennis player
Tell us about the relationship you have with your audience and your fans.
I find that having a good communion with your audience and your fans gives you wings and encourages you to surpass yourself. I try a lot to help myself with them when things aren’t going so well. As an athlete, there are days when it’s a little harder and when you have fans who push you, you forget this little less good side. It is easier to overcome. Communion with the public is therefore very important.
You recently started a vlog. Is that also part of your relationship, having a certain closeness even outside the tennis courts?
I am coming to the end of my career today and I want to show people what my daily life is like from the inside because it is important for the fans that they understand certain choices and see what the we live. It’s in tune with the times to be a little closer with your fans. Through my vlog, I try to show the authenticity of my person.
Coming back to today’s activities, you ended up with FIFA. Are you a bit of a gamer? I believe you are a Football Manager fan.
Indeed, I love Football Manager. The 23 came out recently. From time to time, I try not to play too much because it is very time-consuming. You can spend hours and hours in front of your computer. I love this game because you think you’re the manager. It’s super realistic and you can make seasons and seasons, I think it’s cool. What’s also good is that you discover young players who then explode in real life.
I saw that you had done lives with Antoine Griezmann. Is it someone you know well?
I love Anthony. In periods when he has a little time, he likes gaming and Formula 1. So we did a live on that. Antoine is a very nice person. and when he has time, he likes these little parties of relaxation and gaming.
Apart from Antoine Griezmann, are you in contact with other footballers?
Between athletes, we often see each other in advertisements or in events like today. And generally, the feeling goes well and we keep in touch very often. I’ve met a lot of football players and we’re all friends.
As you say, tennis is a sport considered to be very individual. You lose on your own, you make decisions on your own. When you are in the Davis Cup, you have your teammates on the bench, the choices are a little more thought out because more people can give you solutions. These are incredible times and representing your country is always a privilege and an honor.
French tennis player
You experienced the French team via the Davis Cup. It is necessarily a special thing especially when you practice a so-called individual sport.
Team sport is amazing. As you say, tennis is a sport considered to be very individual. You lose on your own, you make decisions on your own. When you are in the Davis Cup, you have your teammates on the bench, the choices are a little more thought out because more people can give you solutions. These are incredible times and representing your country is always a privilege and an honor.
Are there tennis players who touch the ball a little?
Rafa teases the ball well, he does these little footballs. In general, we like football a lot. Diego Schwartzman plays there a lot, he wears a football shirt all the time and is currently at the World Cup. The World Cup usually falls during Wimbledon and when we beat Argentina in 2018 it was on fire. On his locker, he had stuck photos of the French team. Benoît Paire is also a football fan, he watches all the time.
Finally, what can we wish you in 2023?
Family health. If I am well with my family and in good health, everything will be fine on the professional side.
Photo credits: Cedou
