Michel Platini recently graced the stage at the Magna Graecia Film Festival in Catanzaro, where he charmingly opened his masterclass with a humorous quip: “The last time I came here, I scored two goals and was told never to return. I did anyway, even if it’s 40 years later.” The event, which featured a dialogue with renowned sports presenter Federico Buffa, will later be aired on Sky Sport.
During the discussion, Platini shared his thoughts on today’s football landscape, expressing concerns about the overwhelming number of matches broadcasted on television. “If you see a player every three days, you eventually lose interest,” he explained. He reflected on how the availability of information today diminishes the element of surprise, recalling a time when Pelé was widely discussed yet rarely seen in action. “Growing up, I was excited about him, but I didn’t really see him play until the summer of 1970 during the World Cup in Mexico,” Platini reminisced. He also spoke fondly of his idol, Johan Cruyff, who inspired his understanding of the game.
Introduced by his former Juventus teammate Massimo Mauro, Platini took the audience on a nostalgic journey through his life. Answering Buffa’s questions, he discussed his relationship with his father Aldo and his childhood heroes, such as Kubala, whom he admired for his playing style. Platini also touched upon his early sports experiences, revealing that he had a talent for basketball, which led to an offer from Metz to join their team.
A highlight of the evening was Platini’s recollection of the infamous 1982 World Cup semifinal between France and Germany, where he was already among the top players in the world. He recalled the highly controversial incident when German goalkeeper Harald Schumacher collided with French player Patrick Battiston, sending him to the hospital while the referee took no action. “In France, we still talk about it and cry,” Platini said. “It was devastating not to reach the final.”
The conversation also turned to his time at Juventus and his relationship with club president Gianni Agnelli. Platini shared a light-hearted anecdote about gifting Agnelli his first Ballon d’Or for his 70th birthday, despite being instructed not to wear a black tie on that occasion. When Agnelli inquired if the ball was made entirely of gold, Platini humorously responded that if it had been, he would never have given it away.
Throughout his career, Platini not only delivered incredible goals and performances but also brought a touch of artistry to the game. Reflecting on his arrival in Italy, he acknowledged the unique and passionate relationship between fans and football in the country, admitting he was initially unaware of the intense atmosphere he was about to encounter. “Football is a game of complementarity; it’s about understanding the game,” he concluded, reminding everyone that the magic often lies in being in the right place at the right time.