No Success without Hard Work: Lloris

ARSIP AIA

Hugo Lloris_Captain of Tottenham Hotspur

For Hugo Lloris, the captain and goalkeeper of both Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur and the French national team, football has given him everything. The goalkeeper, who was born and grew up in Nice, a coastal city in the southeastern part of France, felt on top of the world when he led “Les Bleus”, the French national team, to win the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He also tasted the atmosphere of the highest level of competition in the Premier League in England for nine seasons.

However, he still has the ambition to lead Spurs to lifting the trophy and maintain France\'s dominance in the Qatar 2022 World Cup. "There is no success without hard work. Whatever talent anyone has is not enough because it takes hard work, positive thinking, determination and ambition to become a professional footballer. In addition, you need to enjoy football because, for me, being a footballer is a privilege," said Lloris in a virtual interview with Kompas, which was initiated by AIA Indonesia on Tuesday (17/8/2021).

Lloris was also one of the speakers at Kompasfest on Saturday (21/8/2021). Lloris, who made 129 appearances for the French national team, discussed the theme "Never Stop Learning". The following are excerpts from the interview with Lloris.

In your opinion, what is the importance of studying?

Learning is an important thing in life. To face challenges, you need to prepare something. So, it\'s important not to stop learning new things.

AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS

Hugo Lloris

We should never be satisfied with everything that we have achieved. Each learning process that we have can be useful in improving our abilities, and then it can be something to share with family and relatives.

How did you start pursuing a career in football?

Between the ages of 12 and 17, my focus was still divided between school and football. At that time, I never thought about making football my main career. After having the opportunity to pursue a professional career at the age of 17, I started to make football a priority.

Despite being registered as part of the Nice youth team at the age of 11, Lloris was also active in tennis tournaments. Until the age of 13, he regularly participated in national tennis tournaments.

Moreover, the completion of his high school education coincided with his success in leading Nice U-18s to win the French U-18 League for the 2003-2004 season.

Lloris was also a diligent student at school. After graduating the Lycee Thierry Maulnier in Nice in 2004, Lloris focused on pursuing his football ambitions. Moreover, the completion of his high school education coincided with his success in leading Nice U-18s to win the French U-18 League for the 2003-2004 season.

How do you maintain consistency at the highest level?

First, it takes a strong will. Second, be as professional as possible. Live a scheduled daily rhythm of life, especially eating and sleeping well. Most importantly, always work hard, have the mind to compete every day and try to do the best for the team.

New era

Lloris is also very enthusiastic about the new era at Spurs thanks to the arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo as the new manager. At the opening of the 2021-2022 Premier League season, Lloris was part of Nuno\'s squad that defeated the defending champions of the Premier League, Manchester City, 1-0 in London, on Sunday (15/8).

What was your first impression of Nuno?

I had faced Nuno with Wolverhampton Wanderers during the last few seasons. The match was very difficult. Right now, we are still in the stage of understanding his footballing vision and responding to his desires on the pitch. We are ready to work and fight together to take the club in the right direction.

AFP/DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS

Arsenal\'s Chilean striker Alexis Sanchez (R) shoots past Tottenham Hotspur\'s French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (C) to score his team\'s second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium in London on November 18, 2017.

Since joining Spurs from Olympique Lyon at the start of the 2012-2013 season, Lloris\'s best achievement has been being a finalist in the 2018-2019 Champions League and the 2014-2015 and 2020-2021 League Cup in England.

How would you describe your nine-season adventure with Spurs?

I don\'t know what to say. I\'m here for the fans of the club, giving satisfaction to the fans. I dedicate my loyalty to this club.

You have visited several Asian countries with the club, what do you think about the fan base in Asia?

They are extraordinary. This pandemic has cost us something, namely the opportunity to visit supporters around the world. I hope we will be able to do that again in the future.

(This article was translated by Hendarsyah Tarmizi).