Although he has put his cleats aside, the former soccer world champion, now a sports consultant for TF1, remains addicted to the sport. What he says in his book Living in sports. to keep fit will be released this April 3.
In his book Living in sport *, he talks about his need for adrenaline, his wellness philosophy, and the lessons his various physical practices (yoga, freediving, jiu-jitsu, skiing, etc.) have taught him.
My news?
I share my understanding of sports, which is closer to the philosophy of life or the art of living, in the book. I wanted to explain what the different subjects I do, how I train, how I never get tired bring me… Maybe I’ll give people a chance to find their way.
” data-script=”https://static.lefigaro.fr/widget-video/short-ttl/video/index.js” >
The beginning of my sports life.
My parents were sporty and when I was little I tried everything: tennis, Basque pelota, soccer, surfing, sailing and diving in the summer, skiing in the winter… I had a physical predisposition, that was my thing. I was very versatile until I joined the Girondins football club at the age of 13. Today I completely stopped playing football. I often get asked for games, but when you’ve touched Everest with the World Cup or Champions League finals, you have less desire to climb small mountains. However, I cannot imagine life without sports, I have reconnected with the versatility of my childhood.
The secret of my well-being.
Sports, obviously. Besides, when I get hurt, nothing works, including psychological. I need to surpass myself, to make an effort, to release the energy that I have in quantity… Sports is my balance, even if the competitive spirit is low. Today it’s about achieving personal goals and sports outings with friends, good meals after training.
My current state of mind?
I feel like an athlete again. I recovered from a knee injury that lasted two months.
When you’ve touched Everest in the World Cup or Champions League finals, you have less desire to climb small mountains
Bixente Lizarazu
My current mental load.
My mental burden is me. Because I am super demanding and quite impatient, I often put pressure on myself. Sports is the valve that keeps me from going off the rails.
My advice to relieve the pressure.
Cycling or any endurance sport. They have the virtue of purity. When I get angry, I pedal to become a little lamb again. And I supplement it with a yoga class for flexibility and mental balance.
Are you talking about me being promoted, out?
It depends. If there is an answer in front, it might amuse me. Conversely, when the journalist does not want or is not interested, I feel it and compensate.
Tongue too loose or tongue in cheek?
When I have something to say, I own it. But I also try not to get into a tailspin, to find the right balance. I will never say something just to make noise. I have problems with big mouths.
A subject that throws me off my hinges.
What can annoy me is asking about a specific topic and asking about something else.
I lie in interviews.
No, but I know perfectly well how to maintain my privacy and my secret garden.
I will never say something just to make noise
Bixente Lizarazu
What do I think of my reflection in the mirror as I grow older?
“So far so good.” (Is laughing):
Last time I was proud of myself?
I have a lot to be proud of because I have already achieved my holy grail of winning the World Cup. But I’m very happy to be surfing Teahupoo, the Tahiti Olympics wave, and being a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I started this sport only late, at the age of 37.
What am I going to do after this interview?
Finding my daughter and my lover (Claire Keim, editor’s note) who let me ski with friends. He knew me as a professional soccer player, and I’m lucky that he accepted my sports addiction, which, while healthy, is also very time-consuming.
*Living in sports. to keep fitÉditions Flammarion, 208 p., €25, will be published on April 3.
Source: Le Figaro
