Gregory: "Tottenham was a founding moment in our father-son relationship" | OneFootball

Before the clash with Tottenham tonight (9 p.m.), it's time for our "MyMemory" series, which allows a fan to share a memorable memory. Today, we meet Gregory, who was at the Stade Louis-II for a friendly against Spurs in 2013.

He became an AS Monaco supporter during a duel against Tottenham. Already a follower of the Principality club since the 1980s, Grégory, now 52, ​​became a die-hard fan during a friendly against Spurs at the Louis-II stadium in 2013. Present at the stadium that day with his son, the two bonded over their passion for the Rouge et Blanc, to the point that this match became a foundational moment in their father-son relationship. Before this third matchday in the Champions League, he tells us about this powerful memory. Interview. 🎙️

Hello Grégory. When and how did you become an AS Monaco fan?

Let’s just say it fits in perfectly with that friendly match against Tottenham in 2013, because before that, I was mainly an AS Monaco fan, a bit like everyone else. As I’m from Alsace, one primarily supports the local professional club, and that’s Strasbourg in this case. I started following football in the 1980s. I vividly remember the French league title won by the Monegasques in 1982, with Jean-Luc Ettori and company. It was a club that was already making its mark at the time.

Then I followed them more closely when Arsène Wenger, also from Alsace, became the manager in 1987, and he won the title shortly thereafter with Glenn Hoddle among others. Then there was the run to the final of the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1991. So I was always interested in the Club without being a real fan. When I came to the region, I didn’t become a fervent supporter straight away, the real turning point was during this match against Tottenham.

Had you ever been to the Stade Louis-II before that match against Spurs?

Yes, I’d already been there a few times with friends, where I’d seen players like Mohamed Kallon and Javier Chevanton. But that friendly against Tottenham in August 2013 was truly something very important; it was a little more than a football match. I’d even say it’s a defining memory for me, because it was the first time I took my son to the stadium. He was 8 years old at the time.

That match was the defining moment when I created that same relationship with my son. It was a truly powerful moment, I remember holding his hand as we walked around the stadium. It was his first time in a stadium, period, so he wasn't familiar with that environment at all.

What memories do you have of your son discovering the stadium in Fontvieille?

I can still see his face, his eyes open wide as he discovered the stadium. It was truly a very emotional moment, because I used to go to the stadium with my father when I was young. He was the one who accompanied me, and we created a connection and special moments that were just ours, when we went to see Strasbourg.

That match was the defining moment when I created that same relationship with my son. It was truly a powerful moment; I remember holding his hand as we walked around the stadium. It was his first time in a stadium, period, so he wasn’t familiar with that environment at all.

Then came the match, which saw AS Monaco win 5-2.

It was a completely crazy match, indeed. It was AS Monaco’s new project, with Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez, Ricardo Carvalho… That was a crazy squad. The stadium was very full, we were at the first setback, halfway up. We were experiencing it together, it was truly incredible. The most important thing for me, the biggest memory I have of all that, isn’t really the score, but what was happening between us. We were both there, and with every goal, every chance, every encouragement, I saw that he was discovering things I already knew well.

I remember when Falcao scored, because he was already a fan of his; those were really powerful moments. It was the beginning of a bond we forged together through football and through that match. I would say it was a defining moment in our father-son relationship, through football itself. We were thrilled by the goals; it was a truly powerful memory!

Do you have any memories of that match itself?

It was absolutely incredible, yes, starting with Andrea Raggi’s goal from a volley, which was truly spectacular. Then came Radamel Falcao’s brace from two crosses by Lucas Ocampos, who had also headed in early in the second half, if I remember correctly. It was capped off with a goal from Mounir Obbadi at the end. It was also a gala match at that time because there was an impressive squad at Tottenham with Hugo Lloris, Harry Kane, Kyle Walker and the future Monaco player Nacer Chadli.

We could see this as a real challenge for AS Monaco, which was in full development with Claudio Ranieri on the bench. The victory was completely exciting and the match really remains in my memories. Obviously, because it was a spectacular match, but beyond that, it was the beginning, as I told you, of creating this relationship with my son around football and AS Monaco. Since then, I have become a true supporter of the club and we follow the Club assiduously together. It has truly become our favorite club in France. Overall, this match in particular is really important.

I see myself then, in the years that followed, buying the Champions League packages when they were available, to go and watch these matches with my son almost systematically. I took him very regularly to league matches, League Cup matches… It’s our whole shared history, it’s linked to AS Monaco by that.

GrégoryOn the match against Tottenham

It’s even more wonderful to experience this with your child…

In a way, I tried to recreate what I experienced with my father. I went to the stadium in Strasbourg from the age of 10 until his death when I was 27. We went very regularly. So I wanted to create the same connection because these are moments you share alone around football, a sport that represents passion. But that match really turned me into a true fan.

I can see myself, in the years that followed, buying Champions League packages to go to these matches with my son almost systematically. I took him very regularly to league matches, the Coupe de la Ligue… It’s our whole shared history, linked to AS Monaco. Now, he’s 20, a student, but when we see each other again, we automatically talk about football, the club from the Principality, and Arsenal, a team I also support.

I imagine that as an Arsenal fan, that match against Tottenham had an extra flavor…

Watching AS Monaco play against Tottenham, Arsenal’s rivals, is something very special. Afterwards, I was also with him to watch the victory against Spurs in the Champions League in 2016, with a goal from Djibril Sidibé in particular. There was also the Europa League match the season before. We drew at home and lost 4-1 there, which was Kylian Mbappé’s European debut. He also provided an assist for Stephan El Shaarawy that night.

I’m looking forward to Wednesday’s match with great interest, I believe in it. Even though we have a reduced squad at the moment, we showed against Manchester City that we were capable of pulling through. I hope that with the arrival of the new coach, there will be additional dynamism. I’m quite optimistic that we’ll get back on track.

Going back to the 2013 match, do you remember what your son said on the way back home?

It was clear that the Radamel Falcao jersey was one of his priorities. I think I bought it right after. He was also a center forward, he was 8 years old and in the U8 or U9 category. Before the match, I had already spoken to him about it, telling him that he was a real fox in the box, that he had to watch his movements and how he positioned himself… I know he had only eyes for him, and from that match on, it was the jersey he bought every year. He kept doing that until he left the club.

During the match, do you have a memory that still stands out in your mind, besides the goals?

It’s a rather special memory; my wife told me about it. The match was broadcast on beIN Sports, and when Radamel Falcao scored his second goal, we were seen in the stands on TV. Before doing this interview, I searched YouTube to see if I could find that moment, and indeed, I see myself carrying and lifting him. I see him with a smile from ear to ear; it was truly the moment.

Could you say what most impressed your son in 2013?

I think it’s everything, as well as seeing Radamel Falcao so close to him, on the pitch. Personally, I remember the first time my father took me to a soccer match. It was a match between Strasbourg and Montpellier in 1982, since I was living in Alsace at the time, and I remember that it ended in a horrible 0-0 draw, the worst-case scenario.

Whereas there, we had an incredible match with five goals, a spectacle, attacking... With the satisfaction of seeing AS Monaco win and Tottenham lose. For my part, I was excited because I said to myself, here we go, he's going to become a supporter. It couldn't have gone better than that, and as I said, it's the beginning of my story as a true supporter of the club.

GrégoryAbout the match against Tottenham

Whereas this time, we had an incredible match with five goals, a spectacle, and attacking action… With the satisfaction of seeing AS Monaco win and Tottenham lose. For my part, I was thrilled because I thought, “This is it, he’s going to become a fan.” It couldn’t have gone better than that, and as I said, it was the beginning of my journey as a true supporter of the club.

Was this match the most emotionally intense for you?

The most powerful moments I’ve experienced with AS Monaco were the two matches against Arsenal, which I was able to attend. Last year, I traveled to London to watch the match, where, unfortunately, we lost. I met up with my daughter there, who is a student. We met up and went to experience the match with the Monaco supporters. It’s an incredible memory.

And then, it was also the return keg in 2015 after our fantastic 3-1 win. I was in the stands with my son. The last 10 minutes were truly special moments in my life. Deep down, I was telling myself that AS Monaco had to win because I would be able to watch the next matches. I saw Arsenal pushing, we did well to only lose 2-0, it was a tremendous relief when the match was over.

And what was the best match you’ve ever been to?

I would say the return leg against Manchester City and Tiémoué Bakayoko’s headed goal. I was there with my son; the stadium was full. We won, but it was incredibly tough after the first leg, which had been so spectacular. But the home game against the Citizens ignited the stadium; it was incredible.

Even remembering it today, it gives you goosebumps because we had an incredible team. As a fan of the English league in general, managing to upset teams like that is exceptional. I think that match remains the most intense collective emotion I’ve experienced at the Stade Louis-II.

We met Radamel Falcao once, I was able to take a photo with him in the stands. I know it's something important for my son, he remembers it very well. There was also Cesc Fabregas, who had just arrived. As an Arsenal fan, being able to meet him was very emotional.

GrégoryOn meeting Radamel Falcao

About how many matches have you both attended?

We must easily go to 10 matches a year. In any case, since the start of the season, we’ve seen every match. We don’t have season tickets, but I go very, very regularly. Since last year’s match against Arsenal, I’ve also been bringing my daughter and my wife. They contribute to my love of AS Monaco and football.

Finally, do you have any final anecdotes to share?

We met Radamel Falcao once, and I was able to take a photo with him in the stands. I know it’s important to him; he remembers it very well. There was also Cesc Fabregas, who had just arrived. As an Arsenal fan, being able to meet him was very emotional.

🗓️ Match details:

August 3, 2013 – Stade Louis-II

Preseason: AS Monaco 5-2 Tottenham

Half time: 1-0

Goals: Raggi (14′), Ocampos (48′), Falcao (50′), (64′), Obbadi (71′) for AS Monaco; Kane (56′), Townsend (85′) for Tottenham

AS Monaco: Subasic – Raggi, Carvalho, Abidal, Kurzawa – Toulalan, Obbadi, Moutinho – James Rodriguez, Falcao, Carrasco

Coach: Claudio Ranieri

Tottenham: Lloris – Walker, Fryers, Livermore, Rose – Dembélé, Parker – Lennon, Chadli, Sigurdsson – Kane