Franck Leboeuf doesn’t get homesick for Europe too often.

But the French World Cup winner would rather not be in Qatar on 20 April, when his former club Chelsea go to Didier Deschamps’ Monaco for the first leg of the Champions League semi-final.

"It can be tricky getting the games here on TV," he says ruefully. "I would love to watch it, I am just crossing my fingers it will be shown live.

"Life is good in Qatar generally. It has allowed my career to continue, rather than coming to a brutal stop. But I can’t pretend -   I would like to see this Champions League match."

Leboeuf, who has just won the championship in the Middle East with Al-Saad, played with Deschamps in the Chelsea side that won The FA Cup in 2000.

And, of course, they were team-mates in the famous French side that won the 1998 World Cup.

The French dressing-room contained strong characters and superstar names like Zidane, Barthez and Blanc – and up-and-coming talents including Henry and Anelka.

Even among such company though, Leboeuf said captain Deschamps stood out.

"He has always been a leader and it’s no surprise to me he would be a top manager, even if it was a shock that Monaco beat Real Madrid," says Leboeuf.

"Deschamps was a very smart and clever captain and was kind to his team-mates as well.

"There was no doubt he was the most important voice in the dressing-room. Football was in his blood and he had the ability to communicate. He would give simple instructions, but you were left knowing exactly what was expected.

"I came into the World Cup Final because Laurent (Blanc) was suspended but Deschamps helped me feel comfortable. We went out against Brazil believing we could achieve anything.

"I am sure the Monaco players were prepared beautifully for the Real match and it will be the same against Chelsea."

Deschamps is the most successful captain of his generation. He won the European Cup with Marseille, Serie A titles at Juventus and both the World Cup and European Championship with France.

His season at Chelsea is not regarded as his finest, yet he walked away with an FA Cup winners' medal, and it’s worth pointing out Chelsea haven’t won anything since he played in the 2000 Final against Aston Villa.

Leboeuf says Deschamps might have had a longer stay at Stamford Bridge if it hadn’t been for difficulties settling down off the pitch.

"I think Didier enjoyed his football at Chelsea and even with his record, playing and winning an FA Cup Final was a special experience," explains Leboeuf.

"But he didn’t enjoy the lifestyle. We tried to tell him at the start to live in London but he lived in the countryside and I think he found it difficult.

"His English wasn’t so good when he arrived and he found it a bit isolating I think. It wasn’t his kind of life and he found it hard, I think that is the main reason he left. As a player, he made a good impact with Chelsea and he has good memories.

Now Leboeuf, 36, is winding down his career in the Middle East.

"There are a few other players out here – Batistuta, Hierro, Canniggia, Guardiola," he chuckles.

"A few French people live out here as well. We have found two balls and a jack and we can play bowls whenever we want!

"Life is easy. I didn’t want to stop playing football altogether but couldn’t live with the pressure you get at the top of the game. So this is a perfect solution."

As for the future, what chance is there of Leboeuf following his old pal Deschamps into management?

"Why not?" says the defender. "I want to carry on playing right at the moment but the opportunity afterwards to stay in the game I love would be very tempting."

Franck Leboeuf Career

Hyeres 1986-87
Meaux 1987-88
Laval 1988-1991
Strasbourg 1991-1996
Chelsea 1996-2001
Olympique Marseille 2001-2003
Al Saad (Qatar) 2003-

France 50 caps

Honours

1997 FA Cup (Chelsea)
1998 League Cup (Chelsea)
1998 European Cup Winners' Cup (Chelsea)
1998 World Cup (France)
1998 European Super Cup (Chelsea)
2000 Charity Shield (Chelsea)
2000 FA Cup (Chelsea)
2000 European Championship (France)
2001 Confederation Cup (France)