His appearance at the press conference was expected. In vain. Jules Koundé is one of the only players in the French squad who has not appeared before the media since the results of the European elections on June 9. So, the FC Barcelona defender chose his social networks to express himself on the situation in his country.
Sunday June 30, shortly after noon, in the middle of the electoral reserve period, he made a long tweet. “This is an important day for France and its future. In these times, voting is a duty as much as a right.”, began the right side. Koundé then elaborated by explaining that, according to him, “The extreme right has never led a country towards more freedom, justice and living together”. The number 5 of the Blues concluded by saying: “The RN (National Rally) is not a solution. It’s not a lesson, it’s just my opinion.”
“Diversity is the strength of France”
The day before, his teammate Ibrahima Konaté had also spoken. The kid from La Roquette, in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, whose parents are Malians, delivered a message of living together, drawing on his personal story. “We can’t leave power to certain people who are out to divide people. I think that diversity in France is our strength. I come from an immigrant family. When I see the jobs my parents had, garbage collectors and cleaners, who worked impossible hours and gave their health for France, it saddens me.”
Barça and Liverpool players have joined the list of French internationals who have spoken since the start of the competition (Thuram, Mbappé, Tchouaméni) in favor of a vote against the RN or the extremes.
