In Memoriam: Jean Petit
AS Monaco has the immense sadness in learning of the death of Jean Petit, a former players and manager and a legend among legends for AS Monaco.
Originally from the Pink City, “Jeannot” arrived in the Principality at a very young age and spent his entire career in Monaco, guided in his early days by attacking midfielder Omar Pastoriza (1972-1976), before signing up for the long term, with the sympathy and elegance that characterized him on and off the field, as one of the best players in the history of the club, winning titles on numerous occasions (champion in 1978 et 1982, winner of the Coupe de France in 1980).
A senior international, having played in the 1978 World Cup with France, he was voted best player that same year by France Football, and then Jean Petit became a faithful assistant to Arsène Wenger, Jean Tigana, Claude Puel, Didier Deschamps, Ricardo and Marco Simone.
To his family and loved ones, as well as to all those who love AS Monaco today plunged into grief, the entire Club sends its most sincere condolences.
From the second division to league champion
Born on September 25, 1949 in Toulouse, Jean Petit started playing football in his region before coming to the Principality at the age of 20. He may not know it yet, but he would spend the rest of his footballing life there, whether as a player or coach.
Jean Petit played his first minutes with AS Monaco upon his arrival at the Club. The Rouge et Blanc were playing in Division 2 at that time, before returning to the elite during the 1971-1972 season. They remained for only a season, before going back down. Jean Petit, for his part, remained faithful. AS Monaco returned to the elite immediately, for three years, before another relegation. Here again, Jean Petit did not leave the Principality, and only a season passed before returning to the elite.
In midfield, Jean Petit shone. He was voted best French player of the year in 1978 by the newspaper France Football. The reason? 38 matches played, six goals scored, but above all… a place as champion of France, while the Club had just been promoted! These remarkable performances caught the eye of the France coach, Michel Hidalgo, who called him up for the 1978 World Cup. In total, Jean Petit made 12 appearances, scoring one goal, for France.
He ended his playing career five years later, after winning another title with AS Monaco in 1982 and a Coupe de France in 1980.
A life in Rouge et Blanc
With 426 matches played and 78 goals scored, the midfielder is key to the history of AS Monaco, and ranks third in appearances in La Diagonale, a podium which he shares with Jean-Luc Ettori (754) and Claude Puel (601).
After his playing career, during which he was able to rub shoulders with and set up the top scorer in the history of AS Monaco, Delio Onnis, Jean Petit became part of the Club staff. He would be a deputy for Arsène Wenger, Jean Tigana, Claude Puel, Didier Deschamps (he was on the bench when AS Monaco reached the final of the Champions League), Ricardo, Marco Simone and even Claudio Ranieri. An assistant coach for many years, Jean Petit also held the role of head coach during several meetings in 1994 and 2005.
Photos: AS Monaco & Icon Sport
