EMMANUEL Petit is looking forward to sharing the pitch with some star players as the former midfielder gets set to participate in this Sunday’s Weekend of Legends II match at Ibrox.
The Frenchman will line up in a star-studded legends XI which will also include the likes of Michael Essien and Jaap Stam among others.
Speaking to RangersTV ahead of the match this weekend the World Cup winner is excited by the prospect of playing alongside some of the names in the visiting squad and a former Holland international in particular.
He said: “Van Persie, recently I was looking at some memories on the internet and they showed on the French TV the EFL cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle, and they showed some games from 20 years ago and Van Persie was magnificent for Arsenal but also for Man United, I could see on the TV so many goals for them, he was such a great striker.”
The former Chelsea man jokingly says the expectations of how he will perform on the day can’t be too high but is hopeful of putting on a show in front of the Ibrox crowd.
He continued: “Well we are all getting old now, I am almost 53 so don't expect me to play the same way that I used to before, I will try to play as much as possible on the field, I keep walking and I do a lot of work every single week.
“I try to keep in shape, but it is not the same when you have to play on the field especially when there is a lot of expectation from the fans, I think the ground will be full and we will try our best.”
Petit states he is preparing for the match in the best possible way as he gets ready to pull his boots on once again for the game having retired from football 19 years ago.
He added: “I do sports, the pandemic was very difficult for all of us, I tried to keep myself in shape at home but it is not the same as when we were able to go out and going back to the gym.
“Being a professional footballer is one thing but being a normal human being now for 20 years, I have to keep my schedule, I have to be at sports and force myself sometimes in the mornings. I wake up every day at 7.30, and I have got kids as well and they go to school, but I force myself to keep in shape for my mind and body.
“I could feel that it is not easy and not the same anymore, I am getting tired very quickly, I try to go over the limit but I wish I could go back 20 years, but it is not the same anymore. You will see me, I am still in shape, but I am not the same, I am getting on and almost 53 years old, but I will try to do my best.”
You can buy your tickets to the Weekend of Legends II match at Ibrox here.