’The pub was the first thing that struck me about working in the
UK,’ says Priscille Rousseau, who comes from France and is a sales
manager in the London office of sports channel Eurosport.
’In Paris colleagues don’t drink together, but at Eurosport we all go to
the pub after work, which is really nice. The temperament is also
different - the French argue a lot but the English are much more
diplomatic.
’But the biggest thing I’ve noticed is how the English love all this
France/England sporting rivalry. I was really happy when France won the
football World Cup last year, but if we ever lose at football, rugby or
any sport, when I go into work the next day everyone has big smiles on
their faces. At first they don’t say anything at all, but then they
start laughing at me.
’I still love the British. My boyfriend is a Brit, as was my
ex-boyfriend - I’m not quite sure about the next one. However, having to
deal with this sporting antagonism every day sometimes gets a bit
boring.
’I am constantly forced to recognise the supremacy of the British empire
and acknowledge what wonderful drinkers, warriors and sportsmen you all
are.
’I chose to come to Britain and live and work in London. I have no
regrets whatsoever about my decision but listen carefully, for I shall
say this only once: we French are the champions.’
