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The Xavier Rivoire Q&A Interview
Exclusive to talkSPORT1089.co.uk

Xavier Rivoire is talkSPORT's French Sports Correspondent,
appearing on the station's sports shows, including Football First and
The Game, to speak about the various French sporting issues that
affect the UK sports scene on a daily basis.

Before the axing of talkSPORT's European football show Football First
in Europe, Xavier was a keen contributor to the show alongside Adrian
Durham Gabriele Marcotti, Guillem Balague, Gerry Armstrong and
Raphael Honigstein discussing the week's action from the continent.

Currently based in London as correspondent for L'Equipe Television in
France, Xavier has worked in a number of countries around Europe as
a journalist and television presenter reporting on French sports stories.
In his home nation, he worked in Paris for L'Equipe TV, whilst in Milan,
Xavier worked for France Football as correspondent and in London, he
was worked for various French and English media organisations.

Xavier is a keen writer having worked with Arsenal and France International midfielder Robert Pires on his autobiography, Footballeur. He also worked with Alex Hayes and Daniel Ortelli on a book about the 10 years of French players playing in the Premiership after Manchester United's Eric Cantona retired from the game.

Having worked in a number of countries around the world as a journalist, which one have you enjoyed working in the most and what for reasons?
I have worked in France in Paris for L'Equipe TV, Italy in Milan as the correspondent of France Football and England in London, for various French and English media organisations. Of those three countries, it is England I've enjoyed the most. I find the English people very easy to work with, very professional. They also have a good sense of humour which I enjoy

What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in London?
Living in London is very convenient because most of the media companies I work for are based in the capital or in its surroundings such talkSPORT, British Eurosport, World Soccer and Sky Sports. Most of my contacts, from the Arsenal gang to the media mob, are also in London. But the prices are astronomical and the quality of life could be better (I am totally for the Congestion charge that makes the air purer and roads more friendly!)

You have now appeared on various shows over the last few years on talkSPORT, most notably on Football First in Europe with Adrian Durham. When did you first appear on talkSPORT?
I first appeared on talkSPORT about five years ago when I was interviewed about French football. Later on, Adrian Durham asked me to join his Monday night show that was then called Football First in Europe… yes, there was still the "in Europe" bit.

Have you worked for any other radio stations in the UK or around Europe other than talkSPORT and BBC Radio Five Live, if so, what were your roles on those radio stations?
I actually started my career as a radio reporter. I would do the commentary on French football matches. I was based in the North of France while finishing my journalism studies and worked for Radio France and then Europe 1. I then moved to London in the summer of 1994 to join the French service of the BBC World Service. I am still called regularly by the BBC but I now mostly work for RTL and, of course, talkSPORT.

You were often heard on talkSPORT's Football First in Europe show with the likes of Guillem Balague, Gerry Armstrong Gabriele Marcotti and Raphael Honigstein. Did you enjoy working on the show and the chance provide a French viewpoint on current footballing events?
I really enjoyed working on Football First in Europe. I thought that was the only true pan-European football show. It no longer exists because the format has been changed to a more English football show. It is sad that there is now a void on the English airwaves. No where else do you find an alternative and info on French football (an underated league and one of the most exciting in Europe) is missed by many listeners.

What is your honest opinion of Adrian Durham, the presenter of Football First show, and do you believe he has sufficient knowledge on the European game to give an informed opinion?
I like Adrian. He sometimes tries to sound a bit dumb and not so informed. But he knows better. He is a bright guy! I think he just tries to pick a fight with his studio guest.

Guillem, Gabriele and Raphael all recently attended the launch of your new book Beckham System, what was their role in supporting your work?
Guillem, Gabriele and Raphael are all friends of mine. Apart from having given me a few quotes that I put in Beckham System, I hadn't asked them to play a part during that evening. They came along on a friendly basis. And hopefully they enjoyed the football, buffet, the wine and the beer like you did!

Why did you decide to choose David Beckham to be the focal point of the book rather than a French footballer such as Robert Pires or Theirry Henry?
David Beckham is a phenomenon. Both on the pitch and off it. The book, written in French and published by a French publisher (Solar), is a journalistic investigation. Who are the people around Becks? How does he organise his days? How much does he earn? But I remain interested in the French football players. I have just finished interviewing Robert Pires for the updated of Footballeur that will be published in English.

You have written a number of other books, most notably Robert Pires' autobiography. Why do you think he chose you to work with him?
I believe Robert trusts me as a journalist. Hopefully, he likes me too as a human being!

You are the London correspondent for L'Equipe, a French sports newspaper, based in France. What does tyour role entail and what sports do you report about mainly?
I am now the correspondent of L'Equipe Television in London. I am asked to do a report every time there is an interesting topic to discuss. Football takes 99% of my time.

Do you prefer working in written journalism rather than radio?
I believe written journalism is the basis of everything else. It is the press that requires the more precise skills in terms of accuracy of the news you deliver. But I love radio, and I enjoy doing a bit of TV too.

As a football journalist, you are likely to see a lot of matches both domestically and internationally. What was the best match you have seen since you started in journalism?
There have been quite a few good ones. But my favourite remains a friendly between Italy and Brazil, played in the summer of 1997, in my hometown of Lyon, at Stade Gerland. The game ended 3-3 and it was full of flair (thanks to the Brazilians); it was very tactical as well (I put that down to the Italian genius) and it was action packed too. The game had everything you can dream of, including stars such as Ronaldo and Maldini.

What would you single out as your favourite sporting moment of all time?
Probably the very first Tour de France I covered for French radio, Europe 1. That was 10 years ago, in July 1994. Sweat and glory for the guys on the bike and sweat and rewards for me as a young reporter: awesome!

Who was your sporting idol as a child?
Bernard Hinault, the French cyclist who won the Tour de France five times. As you have probably guessed by now, I love cycling and I try to go and follow the Tour for at least one stage every summer. That is both an incredible sporting circus and human achievement (for those on the bikes, not for me of course).

Do you think that the exodus of world class football talent, such as Patrick Viera and Theirry Henry, from Ligue 1 has proved to be a main catalyst for the recent success in the French national team?
Yes, sir!

Are you aware of any future talent that may emerge from Ligue 1 in the near future?
Yes, sir. I could name 20 of them. You want a name. Philippe Mexès, the defender who is going to leave Auxerre this summer.

Lyon have been crowned champions of Ligue 1, how far do you think they will get in next seasons Champions League?
Olympique Lyonnais have gained experience at European level in the last ten years. Their youth policy is great, their fan base is good, their back room staff is of quality, their squad is deep. For all those reasons, I say they are able to reach the semi-finals next season.

Lyon's Pegguy Luyindula was the clubs top scorer in this seasons Ligue 1 campaign. Do you think he will be at the club next season?
Pegguy Luyindula should stay. I find it puzzling that Steve Marlet has been chosen ahead of him to go to Portugal.

What would you say is the best domestic league in Europe?
In my eyes, there are two that are above the rest: England and Italy. I like the panache and the glamour of Italian football and I love the passion and the fighting spirit of the English game.

Apart from your own books, are there any others that you would recommend?
I love reading. I very much enjoy fiction. I strongly recommend Paul Auster for those who don't know him already. His last book is called "Oracle Night".

Have you seen any films recently that you would like to recommend?
"21 grams". Very moving. The title apparently comes from the fact that when we die, we lose 21 grams exactly. It's not exactly the Atkins Diet, is it ?

Who is the most famous person that you have on your mobile phone address book?
Jason Bourne's mobile number! You know him? He is a legend.

Thanks to Xavier Rivoire for the chance to interview him and for inviting me to London for his buffet, football and drink party for his book signing. You can hear Xavier on talkSPORT as their French Correspondent on Football First, The Game and The Sports Breakfast.

The Xavier Rivoire Q&A Interview
Football First in Europe
May 2004