In 2017, Valère Germain, champion of France with AS Monaco, revealed to L’Equipe that the Monaco players had played their last Ligue 1 match with a blend of “half water, half beer” in their water bottles.
The Monégasques had celebrated their title win. Valère Germain and his teammates secured the Ligue 1 title in 2017, beating PSG after an incredible season with 95 points in 38 matches. In an interview with L’Equipe, the former striker shared behind-the-scenes details of their final match.
“On était rentrés à 5 ou 6 heures du matin, tous un peu fatigués”
When asked about his “biggest celebration” in his career, Valère Germain spoke about his “biggest festive week” instead. He recalled, “It was after the match we won here (in Monaco) against Saint-Étienne, confirming the French champion title (on May 17, 2017). We had one more match against Rennes (three days later). Naturally, we went out that night and the next too. It was during the Cannes Film Festival,” explained the retired player.
“We had rented a large bus with several players and staff members. We got back home at 5 or 6 in the morning, all a bit stuffed,” remembered Valère Germain. “We arrived in Rennes very tired. In the water bottles, we had a mix of half water, half beer. At each break, we would come and drink on the bench. We won 3-2.”
Valère Germain started in that game alongside his teammates Kylian Mbappé and Thomas Lemar. During that Ligue 1 season, Germain played 36 matches, scoring ten goals and providing four assists. He later joined Marseille, where he stayed for four years.
