Doing the Domenech

Footballers are media darlings. Every word uttered pertaining to everything from their skill sets, accessories, sense of fashion, 'respect for the club', chihuahua's grabs attention. Sometimes to a degree that it overshadows their exploits on the pitch. Once you're retired and into management, that is the only thing the media are interested in anyway. Paris is often called the City of Love, it could soon turn into the city of lovie dovie managers.

Last Friday, after the draw for the Quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League had been completed, PSG sporting director Leonardo popped the question on air to his TV Presenter partner Anna Billo. Billo who works for Sky Italia was covering the event in Nyon, Switzerland had been speaking to her man on the European date his side had just got with Barcelona. Leonardo pounced on the opportunity when asked if he had any questions for the panel, replying with a: "Anna, do you want to marry me?". Billo who was taken completely by surprise managed to stay calm and responded with a smile: "OK....we'll see".

Now Leonardo isn't French (he's Brazilian), but he's been at Paris over a year now and the city can make you do some strange things. At least Leonardo chose an opportune moment, considering his club had just progressed into the quarters of Europe's premier club competition after a long period in exile. Raymond Domenech, was the last person to attempt such a stunt, when he proposed to his girlfriend, Estelle Denis, a TV sports journalist. The then French head coach was much ridiculed for his love burst, coming as it did moments after his side had been dumped out of Euro 2008 by Italy. (talk about choosing a picture perfect moment)

He was being quizzed by France's M6 TV station on his future with the national team, but Domenech chose to focus on his future with his partner instead saying: “The only thing of that I can think of at the moment is for me to marry Estelle”. Perhaps the beleaguered Domenech was in need of much love after the players he managed seemed to hardly display any for him, with frequent bust ups and confrontations the norm during that tournament. And yes, as you may have rightly guessed, he didn't survive too long as France manager, though it was more for his abject performance with the team as compared to the faux pas proposal. The two men also share a PSG connection, Leonardo is the current Sporting Director, while Domenech did enjoy a successful spell as player at the Parc des Princes.

These days footballer WAG's who happen to be media persons is quite common. Sara Carbonero, partner of Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas, received a loving kiss on live television during an interview with her man moments after their triumph in the 2010 World Cup. The response by the way was to a silly question that Carbonero posed "How are you feeling now Iker". Well, he sure did show her how good he was feeling !

So, who will be the next person to 'Do the Domenech'. We await with excitement, even as a TV presenter girlfriend/partner might be shuddering somewhere.

Check below for Link to Leonardo's outpouring of love