Rothen eager for Monaco verdict

Despite finishing second in the table, the Principality side have been demoted to Division Two due to financial irregularities, but have appealed against the decision.

They are set to find out their fate on Wednesday and should their punishment stand, they will face a huge exodus of players.

Rothen had been a star for them last season and he desperately wants to stay and play Champions League football at Stade Louis II, although he will leave if they stay down.

"We are eagerly waiting for the appeal to be studied," said Rothen.

"I trust my officials and the Prince to settle that problem. Except Rafael Marquez and Marcelo Gallardo, we all want to stay next year and go on our beautiful adventure in the Champions League.

"However, if we have to leave, we will leave. For the moment, my priority is to stay at Monaco. But I won't play in Division Two.

"I didn't have any phone call, but I don't close the door to any club. With my agent we are preparing next season in case."

Once again he confirmed his support to coach Didier Deschamps, who has come under a lot of criticism despite only coming second in the league by a single point.

"If the officials part with him, they would have not understood anything.

"If we succeeded such a season, it is also thanks to Didier Deschamps. If he leaves, other players will follow him and me at first."

Meanwhile, Monaco chairman Jean-Louis Campora reaffirmed his desire to save the club from relegation.

"We settled our case. We know what we need to do to keep our place in Division One.

"And we will bring in new elements. We want to show we are considering what they told us, and we are following the same rules as any other clubs.

"We have a cumulated deficit of some ‚é¼44 million. Even if we were relegated to Division Two, we would play in the Champions League.

"We got the confirmation from the League boards of directors."