Speaking to TF1, the France international says he is on the hunt for a second Scudetto this season.
Tell us about France's victory in Italy:
“It was beautiful, I enjoyed every moment: from the national anthem to leaving the field and the final whistle. It was a great experience.”
Are you affected by the criticism of your performance in France?
“No, also because it is part of our sport. Since we became professionals we have heard criticism, but I think a top football player has to get over that. Everyone can think what they want, but the most important thing is that you do your best.” all in every match.”
What is your place in the group?
“The one I have always occupied. I always try to do my best for the shirt, help my teammates and bring a good mood. And make sure that the group lives well and wins.”
Do you find it annoying that you score so little for the national team?
“To be honest, I don't think about it. When I play for the national team, scoring is not something that obsesses me. I try to play good games, then I can score or not. But I would rather play well without scoring than score a goal and play a bad game.”
How do you deal with the competition with Randal Kolo Muani?
“Well, Randal is a friend. I've known him since the national team, we're very close and we talk every day. It's a very healthy competition.”
Do you miss Kylian Mbappé?
“Yes, Kylian is very important in the group. Ousmane Dembélé was not there either, so it is a bit of a bizarre gathering. We were a little less cheerful at the table, but we hope they will be back soon. Have I had any news about him yet? Yes, he is doing well, he is at the best club in the world.”
How do you assess your start to the season at Inter?
“Everything is going very well, I have scored a lot of goals quickly. Then we are not yet as good as we would like to be and as we were at this point last season, but with work and putting the games together I think we can get back to our best level.”
What is still missing to glorify the French fans as much as you do with the Inter fans?
“Maybe the French fans should speak Italian (laughs, ed.)…”
Your party has now become legendary.
“Yes, it is really appreciated. It is true that in Italy I was very well welcomed by the Inter fans and all the Italian fans. It is a bit like my adopted country.”
Is there less pressure in Italy than with the national team?
“No, whether I wear the shirt of Inter, France or Borussia Mönchengladbach, I have never felt any pressure. Well, they have to speak Italian (smiles, ed.).”
What does Didier Deschamps urge you to do?
“He doesn't push anything, he has known me for 27 years… Then it is true that from the outside you may think that he often sits on my back, but it is for my own good. He has done it since the first call .” and continues to do so, he forces me a lot and it is better this way.”
Is he telling you to be more present to gain more self-confidence?
'No no, he doesn't say things like that. He encourages me like he does everyone else.”
In private you are a very discreet person, is that something you want?
“Yes, then I think about speaking when I have to say something. There are people who speak very often, but I prefer to speak on the phone with my friends. When I speak to the media, I do so because there is something serious or important. There is talk for the sake of talking, that is not my thing; I try to speak on the field.”
What are your goals for 2025?
“I hope to win the championship again with Inter. It's something that will stay with you forever and it's a feeling I want to relive.”
Are you already thinking about the 2026 World Cup?
“No, we will meet again in March with the national team, but it will not be a World Cup… We are going from phase to phase, with so many games left to play, when we think about 2026.” We won't get there.”
Are the many games to be played weighing heavily on the players' minds?
“It is clear that they are weighing on their heads and morale as much as on their legs. However, we are professionals and we try to do our best, but we cannot remain insensitive to the fact that there are too many matches.”
But how do you try to deal with it?
“I sleep a lot.”
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