Christophe Dugarry, a 1998 World Cup winner with France, broke down in tears during a live radio interview after reflecting on the death of Brest manager Eric Roy. The 58-year-old died after a three-and-a-half-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Eric Roy's Career and Friendship
Roy had been in charge of Ligue 1 side Brest for three years and led them to the Champions League. He was a former midfielder who made 27 appearances for Sunderland and played for Nice, Lyon, and Marseille among others before retiring in 2004. After retiring, he managed Nice and later had a successful stint at Brest spanning three and a half seasons. He also worked as a scout for Lens and briefly served as Watford's sporting director in 2019.
Speaking live on French radio show RMC when Roy's death was announced, Dugarry could not hold back his tears. The pair were former teammates at Marseille.
Dugarry's Emotional Tribute
He said: "It's sad because he was my friend... It makes me very sad. I'm going to miss him."
Roy's family announced his death in an emotional statement on social media, revealing he had secretly been battling cancer.
Family Statement
The statement read: "It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our father and husband. For the past three and a half years, Dad battled pancreatic cancer. Throughout this time, he continued to live with a strength that still amazes us, sustained by the love of his family, by football, by his work, and by the passion that never left him. What he accomplished in recent years will remain exceptional for us. To overcome this ordeal while supporting such a powerful club, team, and history speaks volumes about the man he was. Dad was deeply kind, tender, upright, and honest. He knew how to encourage, to mentor, to push others to surpass themselves, to become the best version of themselves. He possessed this high standard, this fairness, and this humanity. To the Brest supporters, we want to say thank you. Your welcome, your support, your fervour, and your love deeply touched him. This strength accompanied him far longer than you can imagine."
Tributes from Clubs
Roy's old side Lyon were among the first clubs to pay tribute. They wrote on X: "Olympique Lyonnais has learned, with great sorrow, of the death of Eric Roy, an elegant and cherished midfielder for OL from 1993/1996 (128 matches). To his family and loved ones, we extend all our condolences. Tribute to follow."
