Nice Premium: A chapter closes with an emotional finale at Ray, do you realize that your career is now over?
Olivier Echouafni: I don’t quite realize it, I feel more like I’m on an end-of-season holiday. The ovation from the entire stadium was very moving. I was torn between the end of my career and the joy of being recognized by the public.
NP: Your professional career is ending, what are your plans for the future?
OE: I am going to sponsor week-long football camps in Isola village during the summer. This is an idea that Lionel Letizi and I have had in mind for eight months. These camps are for children aged 8 to 11, both girls and boys. They will last a week in Isola village starting from July 5. The youngsters will be supervised by certified instructors and educators. Besides football, we want to provide an educational role with values and respect. For example, there will be an hour of first aid training adapted to their age, with the presence of firefighters. We will also bring in personalities like Valérie Nicolas or referees.
NP: How will these camps be conducted?
OE: We hope to host 30 to 40 children per week with a maximum capacity of 56 places. The facilities have been renovated at a cost of two million euros. Everything is nearby: stadium, pool, firefighters. The philosophy of the project is to give children a week like the professionals. Equipment will be distributed at the start, followed by two training sessions per day during the week, and finally a small tournament organized on Saturday which parents can attend. Lionel and I will be present at the start and end of the camps. There will be specific training for goalkeepers, one of which will be conducted by Lionel Letizi.
NP: On a more personal level, what moments marked your career?
OE: I’ve played over 500 matches for nearly 500 different emotions! There are significant moments like the comeback with the young players from Marseille in 1995. With OGC Nice, there was the epic run in the League Cup and the unforgettable 4 – 3 victory in Monaco! But I also experienced difficult times with serious injuries like the knee cruciate ligaments. Not being able to play for nine months is very hard. You have to step back, work hard, and be mentally strong to return to your best level.
NP: The World Cup is starting soon, what do you think about the French team?
OE: I was skeptical about what they had shown so far, but they presented an interesting image against Costa Rica. They controlled the game. By relying on a solid base, they played quickly upfront. If they start the competition well, there will be something to achieve. I believe in them!
More information about the camps at www.stagefoot06.com
