It's a beautiful novel, it's a beautiful story. So, yes, if the book is closer to the biography – that of the mythical Barbagiuans who will celebrate 45 years of adventures in 2025 – than to the novel, it is indeed a very beautiful story.
This Sunday afternoon, AS Monaco alumni: Ludovic Giuly, Marco Simone, Alfred Vitalis, Claude Puel and Andrea Raggi were at the Grimaldi Forum to launch the Sportel Awards.
Under the leadership of Louis Ducruet, president of the Barbagiuans since 2020, they presented the recently published book A Prince & legendsbefore indulging in a signing session to the delight of the dozens of enthusiasts at the meeting.
“To have been able to play for ASM is a privilege. And being able to continue playing for the Barbagiuans allows us to continue the story.”introduces Marco Simone. The book traces the history of this charity football team born in 1980 on the initiative of Prince Albert II, who did not want to lose sight of his high school friends while playing for good causes.
Great witnesses and anecdotes
In this book, former glories of the ASM and the Barbagiuans like the players present here, but also Sébastien Squillaci, Jean Petit, – who testified before his death – Delio Onnis and even Arsène Wenger relay little-known anecdotes of the general public. “Louis [Ducruet] was a fan of me. And when I saw him arrive in the ASM locker room, I knew I was going to lose a jersey.”relates a teasing Ludovic Giuly, after having given the floor to his president.
“It's a book that we wanted to be different. ASM released its centenary book and we didn't want to duplicate it. With these anecdotes from different eras and players, which have never been published, there is a unique, fun and charitable side, like the team”underlines Louis Ducruet, who does not want to spill the beans. “It would have been better not to reveal certain anecdotes.”jokes Alfred Vitalis in turn.
“A team that has a real identity”
Since 2020, the Barbagiuans' flagship event has been the Fight Aids Cup – the funds raised from which are donated to Fight Aids Monaco which fights against HIV/AIDS – and the classico contested against Cirque FC, the princess' team Stephanie.
“Louis [Ducruet] was able to develop this concept around the Princess for a noble cause, for her association, it is all the more interesting to respond. It’s a team that has a real identity and it’s great to see it endure over time.”says intergenerationalist Claude Puel.
Every year, the Barbagiuans try to renew themselves. And Louis Ducruet assures us: “There will be new things”for the next Fight Aids Cup in January 2025.
