Stubble, slicked back hair, Henri Leconte happily played along with our quick interview after the shower. A nice stylistic exercise according to him: "Stupid questions? Perfect, I'm used to those from journalists."
Who's the most famous person in the world?
The Pope, definitely! He carries something powerful and pure for those who believe. And even for those who don’t...
Who collects the royalties from the Bible?
Well... normally it's the Pope, isn't it? Wait, you know what, I think it was Mark McCormack (famous American lawyer and tennis agent, Editor's note), who used to manage the Pope’s publicity. Maybe he also gets a little share...
The last time you came out of the hairdresser’s happy?
A month ago. I'm always happy when I leave the hairdresser. I think it’s a pleasure. It's just so agreeable! The little scalp massage, the pleasure of the work, of a pretty girl. You can go get a massage and a haircut from a man also, but well...
How can you get rich?
Working. In believing in it, by giving everything you have. You become rich only if you don't become obsessed by money. And above all, you have to be creative.
In your wildest dreams, what do you do?
I'm still in the sport. Or no, I'm flying! My father had the same dream, you walk slowly and suddenly you decide to go, and you just fly away like a bird. Like a bird, that's it.
Are you part of the 43% of French people who steal from hotels?
Never. It's my second home. Why would I steal? When you're famous, all you have to do is ask...
What’s an open kitchen for?
Well, initially, it's a central kitchen, large, spacious where you can get your friends together, prepare a meal, and drink a good bottle of wine, a good beer... That was the primary purpose of this kind of kitchen back in the 80s. Today, it became more accessible. An open kitchen? It means that you're huge, (he insists) that you have a really enormous kitchen...
What’s the best magazine to bring to the toilet?
In the 80s, it was Playboy. Now it's more car stuff or L’Equipe (French sport magazine, editor's note)... which can also be used as toilet-paper. Pretty convenient actually...
If a taxi driver goes into reverse, should he reimburse the client?
It depends if he runs over someone.
In the shower, what do you wash first?
Uh... I wash my hair first, then I rinse and I wash my body. Then I put the conditioner on. No, I wash my hair then I put the conditioner on. No, wait, wait, wait... I wash my hair, I rinse, after I put the conditioner on so it stays on my hair a little while ... After I wash my body, which is necessary (smile), then I remove everything, I rinse a third time and I go out. That's it.
What can you say in sign language?
Thumbs up. All good. Yeah!
Before the invention of cigarettes, what did people do after sex?
For me, it's a cigar, but it's impossible. During sex? No, never. But afterwards, in general, men turn on their side and fall asleep. But me, I drink a little water anyway. A gulp of fresh water. It may be pretentious, but well...
Did you vote?
Of course!
So you know exactly what a normal president is? (Expression used by French President François Hollande to define himself, Editor's note)
A president who takes care of his country, and of the French. We couldn't care less if he takes the train, a private plane or his car to speed at 150 mph... The situation in France is serious. We're wasting time.
Interview by Victor Le Grand
