A supporter since he was very young, Michel Giomi was speaker of the Gym for fifteen years until “Der’ du Ray”. While the “Voices of OGC Nice” are in the spotlight this Sunday as part of the club’s 120th anniversary, he looks back on his best memories at the microphone.
How did you become a speaker?
“It happened a bit randomly. I was already working at the stadium, at the spectator gates, and I had a colleague, Gilles, who was on the scoreboard who asked me to replace him, because he was not there. The security guy at the time asked me if we could do some microphone testing and it went from there. I did this trial and I was lucky enough to be chosen and to be able to take care of the presentation of the teams and setting the atmosphere at the stadium, for around 15-16 years. »
How do we experience this dual role of supporter and speaker of the club?
“Very good, because first of all, it’s the opportunity to be in a sporting environment, where you meet a lot of people. It allowed me to talk with people I would never have been able to talk with. And then by being in the center of the field, you feel like you're an actor at your level. We had to adapt, get used to being a speaker, and feeling expected on certain things for matches. But I experienced it as a privileged supporter. »
What feeling did you have when you spoke for the first time?
“I was a little apprehensive, because it wasn't easy to address thousands of people who are used to coming to the stadium. But in the end, even though there were things to improve, it was and I loved that moment. »
How did you experience your matches when you were speaker?
“At the very beginning, I got back on the basket, which bothered me a little, because I happened to announce a goal while I was on the stairs. It didn't happen often, but it happened (laughing). And then I stayed on the sidelines. We don't have the same vision on the game, but we're good at it, because we're in touch with everything that's happening. »
What do you think is the definition of a good speaker?
“I think that the announcers each have their own personality, so there are announcers who are more into the show like the one from Naples who is a real showman. I think that the role really corresponds to the personality and therefore everyone has their own way of approaching things and presenting in their own way, even if we don't have big differences insofar as the process is the same for everyone. world. »
What is your best match memory?
“I have quite a few!” I experienced the 97 French Cup, but I particularly liked, during the 2012-13 season, the match against Paris. It was the era of Beauthéac at Nice and Ibrahimovic at PSG. A fantastic match and a very, very good victory for OGC Nice. Afterwards, there was also the comeback in 2001-2002. Nice beat Istres 3-0 and that marked the club's return to D1. »
What is the most important thing you learned?
“Succeed in taking everyone’s comments into account. I think it's good to listen to people to improve your work, and why not also draw inspiration from what is being done elsewhere. »
The greatest pleasure?
“We have great moments of pleasure in the presentation. In matches, there can be small hazards that need to be responded to quickly, but I have always enjoyed fulfilling my role. Playing with the public, announcing the teams, especially those from OGC Nice, has always been a great pleasure. Launching the Nissa la Bella was fantastic, I had the thrill of hearing the whole stadium singing. It was magnificent. It is still a source of pride for our city, our anthem, the anthem that all the stadiums envied us. »
Your biggest emotion?
“The arrival of all the supporters during the Der' at Ray. It was also my last. The rise of the supporters from Place Massena to the stadium was magnificent and I never tire of seeing the images again. Since I was already at Ray, I only saw videos, but it was magnificent. This entry into the stadium with all the flags, the scarves, accompanied by the songs… It was magical. So that day, we drew, but it was a big celebration. I only had fun doing it. »
How do you look back on all your years as Ray speaker?
“Without it being my job, I think I gave everything and tried to give my best to do it. Not everything was perfect, but I only have good memories. It's a whole combination that gave me the chance to be a privileged supporter, to be in the football world and to appreciate what I was doing. »
Still a supporter of the club?
“Obviously, I don’t see which club I could support. OGC Nice remains OGC Nice. I continue to follow the team and my heart is still red and black, until the end. »
What do you think of our speaker Constantin Djivas?
“I knew him as a child, since he played with my son at Cavigal. I'm very, very happy that he took on this role of club speaker, he's a very good boy. I've heard him before, he's a professional, very comfortable and wonderful and that doesn't surprise me at all. I wish him good, long seasons with the club, because frankly, he deserves it. »
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