Euro 2008 according to Johan Djourou

Keystone

Chosen by manager Köbi Kuhn to take part in Euro 2008 from June 7, Arsenal defender Johan Djourou talks about the competition and Switzerland's future opposition.

After taking part in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Djourou intends to make the most of this second major date of his career.

swissinfo: What does this European championship mean to you?

Johan Djourou: It is difficult to say today because the event is near and yet still far away.
But in any case it is a huge thing for a football player to be able to take part in such an event in his country, in front of his home crowd. It is a unique moment in one’s career and I want to live it 100%. I am sure that the team will respond when the day comes.

swissinfo: Like in the World Cup in Germany in 2006?

JD: My main memory of the World Cup as a kid was the image of the Brazilians holding up and kissing the cup in 1994. In Germany, we wanted to do the same and it ended ina penalty shoot-out without having a goal scored against us. It’s a shame but there will be other opportunities. In the European championship there aren’t any Brazilians, but there is still a cup.

swissinfo: During the first phase of Euro 2008, you will face the Czech Republic, Turkey and Portugal. What is your perspective on these teams?

JD: The Czech Republic is a team that is used to big tournaments and has exceptional players. But they can also soar or sink if things don’t turn out as they want. You have to be on your guard with this team, but we also have a good chance of doing well against them.

With Turkey I can confidently say that the meeting will be a purely sporting one. I wasn’t at the two meetings at Bern and Istanbul for the World Cup qualifiers but I know they are still fresh in everyone’s minds. It’s up to us to forget them. The international Turks all play in the big European clubs, but there again we really have the means of imposing ourselves on them.

Portugal, finally, is to me the biggest challenge. They reached the final at home in 2004 and have the best player in the world today in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo. In a multinational team like Manchester United, he stands out for his technique and unpredictability. We will need to make the difference with our team strength to get a good result against Portugal.

swissinfo: Playing for your country seems to be important for you. What was it like playing your first Swiss team match on March 1, 2006?

JD: It was an exceptional time. I felt very strange, feelings of fear and pure happiness. Even talking about it gives me goosebumps. Wearing the jersey and playing for your country has meaning.

Even if I am of Ivory Coast origin, I feel 100 per cent Swiss, and any criticism about the colour of my skin will not change that. I am conscious of the fact that playing for Arsenal has helped me integrate into the Swiss team.

swissinfo: While in England, you were on loan from Arsenal to Birmingham. Was that a good or a bad experience?

JD: It was me who pushed my trainer Arsène Wenger to accept it. I needed to play like an indisputable team member and take on the role of leader. The make up of Arsenal means that it is difficult to play in a regular way.

In Birmingham, I was also freer to express myself on the pitch. It wasn’t simple but I needed this adventure. I therefore had an important experience and I am no longer considered the little youth who needs to make a niche for myself in Arsenal.

swissinfo: Your contract with the Gunners lasts until 2012. What is your life like in London?

London is an extraordinary city and Arsenal is a prestigious club. I don’t look too far ahead and I take advantage of how I am living. I like this life because outside of football it is possible to go out and take advantage of the museums, concerts and have a wonderful social life.

It is important for me to be able to clear my mind by going out to eat at a restaurant or to the theatre with my girlfriend Emilie who has just moved here with me. At the moment I am also a fan of bowling and play a lot with friends.

Swissinfo, Mathias Froidevaux in London