How are you and do you still follow FC Metz matches with passion?
Danny Boffin: “For the moment, I am doing very well. I am still passionate about football, especially FC Metz, which I have never forgotten! I recently attended the FC Metz match in Strasbourg and the two play-off matches against Saint-Étienne. The end-of-season result is tough for the club after a better second half of the season. In my opinion, if FC Metz had not received this red card, they would have stayed in Ligue 1.”
What memories do you have of your time at FC Metz?
D.B. : “It’s the best memory of my career. I arrived at the club at 32 and I spent two fantastic years. We almost became champions (1997-1998) and vice-champions of the League Cup (1999). I am still very attached to this club and I will never forget this incredible period. We had a fantastic team, a fantastic collective. FC Metz represented a new challenge for me after several years at Anderlecht and I flourished there.”
You have also played many matches for Belgium. How do you compare the atmosphere and expectations between club matches and those of the national team?
D.B. : “I was selected for 91 matches with Belgium, 53 of which I was able to be on the field. There is no big difference for me, because I have never cheated. The automatisms remain because we knew each other very well among Belgian players. Almost half of the squad came from Anderlecht, which facilitates automatisms between everyone. It’s obviously not the same, but you have to fight for your country as well as for your club. In football you don’t cheat! »
How do you see the upcoming match between France and Belgium?
D.B. : “I’ve seen all of Belgium’s matches. The first match didn’t convince me. Some players are absent, of course, but we have a complete squad. France and Belgium are two very strong nations. Belgium, if it has to play the game, will be in difficulty. In my opinion, Belgium must play on the counterattack, that’s how the team can be dangerous. France will be the favourite for me, even if in football, you never know what can happen.”
What kind of meeting should we expect this Monday evening?
D.B. : “It will be a very interesting match. France’s defense is very solid. In my opinion, Belgium’s weak point is in defense. If France’s fast attackers go behind us, it will be very difficult. It will be a mental match, it’s the third time we have played against France in recent years, we have lost each time. So, France has an advantage on the mental aspect. »
What is your prediction for this match?
D.B. : “1-0 for Belgium, or 3-1 for France. This match is going to be very difficult. France are favorites, but anything can happen in football and we can create a surprise. If Belgium scores first, it will be more difficult for France, especially with our counter-attacking qualities. »
Do you think Belgium has the means to go far in this Euro?
D.B. : “I saw almost every match. For me the favorites are Spain and Germany and France. If Belgium wins against France, it has the means to reach the final of this Euro. If we pass France, we have a chance. But in my opinion, France will remain the best nation in this Euro in this final phase. France always starts slowly, but finishes very strong. »
To conclude, do you have a message to send to the supporters of FC Metz and the Belgian team?
D.B. : “I am Belgian, I played in France. I would be very happy for my country if Belgium wins, but if France goes through, I would also be happy for their journey and for the supporters of FC Metz and France, whom I have not forgotten! I wish the best to both teams.”
