Viva la footy in Vietnam, says Frenchman and Swannie, Manu Devant.

Manu Devant is a 21yo French medical student who arrived in Vietnam for a month. In that time, he has hit the ground running for the Swannies joining the Vung Tau trip, challenging fellow Swannie Dave O’Shea (and Queensland junior champion) to an 800m race – and he played his first ever footy match on the weekend against the Malaysian Warriors.

It was a short, whirlwind time with the Swannies, but a good one. Manu, who will leave Vietnam this week, explains more below.

Dear Swannies,

I’m just recovering my hang over of last night and I’m already drunk… But it’s perfect because my English is better when I am drunk!! That’s why, I write this mail with lots of feeling and emotions.

I have to thank you all.

I have lived lots of wonderful things because of sport (you can trust me as I am 21 years, so lots of experience!!)… But you are one of my favorite moments!!!

The match of Saturday against Malaysia, even if we lost, was a great moment for me.

I already said that, but you are the funniest and most friendly team I had never met. That’s why I would like to thank you.

Special mentions to:

• Andy Glendinning (Coach), Phil “Fabbo” Johns (National President), and Nick Shiells (Saigon President): because you are the boss, and you trusted in me, you let me play and enjoy.  IT S A REALLY GREAT GIFT FOR ME!!  And if everybody is so friendly, I think it’s because of you.
• Billy Crang (CoCaptain): because you made me discover and enjoy!!
• Josh Lee: the same like Billy… And because I remember your face for my first training: “No, it’s not rugby… But it’s better so come with us!!” I was right to trust you!!
• Rikka Boulton: because you took time to learn me the rules of this crazy game
• Mark “Frenchie” Bremond: just because you are the one fooking Frenchie I met in this fooking Australian sport!!! Merci mon poulet, j’espere te revoir bientot!!!
• Dave O’Shea: you are a fooking good runner… But I am better. I lost (our 800m race last weekend) because we took off our shoes. See you for a new race.
• Irish John Redmond: just because you are young (but that beard, I’m jealous), and because I enjoyed to see your Irish face!!!

I thank every Swan!!

I’m sorry for defeat, and for players who bet on me for the race against Dave…

I will do all I can to join you in Thailand, in the middle of August for the Asian Champs, to have more fun!!!

I don’t know if I love footy or if I love you Swannies!!!! You are the best part of my month in Saigon.

All my best regards.

Take care each others. Let’s go on in the same way,

Cheers mates,

Manu