SIMONE REVEALS HIS DELIGHT
Speaking to France Football, the Italian forward said: "This is the most beautiful title of my career because I lived extraordinary moments. It was special and intense for all the squad.
"The last two months were difficult on a mental level. To play with a 10 or 12 point lead, it is not easy to manage. It is a question of motivation."
Simone revealed he had fears at the start of the season, saying: "I was a little scared at the beginning of the season in a place that is renowned for calm, but players like Fabien Barthez and Sabri Lamouchi restored that calm."
The 31-year-old also compared his time in the principality with his spell at Paris Saint Germain. "I knew two PSG‚ÇÖs," Simone stated. "The first, under Denison, was easy to integrate but, unfortunately, the second PSG I knew was somewhat different, very disorganised. The atmosphere in Monaco I found to be the same as the first PSG."
He then went on to talk of his aims, saying: "I still have two years left on my contract and I want to honour them. The chairman, Campora, must give the young talent the chance. This team is full of young quality and if you throw in some experienced players then you have a team that can make a real European challenge.
"To win, you need some great players, we have the best striker in Trezeguet and I am the best assistant."
Simone again talked of the scenes that marred Monaco‚ÇÖs clash with Marseille, comparing them to Italy. "In Italy," he stated. "There is a real respect between players, deeper than in France."
Of the L‚ÇÖOM clash, Simone said: "I have never before witnessed anything like that. Of course, some matches in Italy are heated, but to see such things off the pitch is unthinkable.
"Blondeau came to me and said ‚ÇÿShut Up! Tonight you will not play.‚ÇÖ Then he slapped me. The Galtier ban and fine will not change things. Some serious things happened in Marseille.
"Ivan de la Pena tried to apologise on the pitch, but I said to Blondeau ‚ÇÿIf you want to stop me playing you will have to break my legs. But on the pitch so everyone can see you.‚ÇÖ
"France must try and change things in Marseille. It is serious when Blondeau stated that he has problems with players from PSG. It is racist behaviour."
Simone believes French clubs under-achieve in Europe, commenting: "It is unbelievable that only two French clubs have won European cups. I think the French players are of a better quality than their Italian counterparts. It is no surprise that so many French players are in Italy."
Simone believes he has little chance of making Euro 2000, saying: "There are five or six strong forwards. But, if Dino Zoff calls me, I will be the happiest man in the world.
"Anyway, I believe Spain will win the championship, but France have a chance if they try some new players."
