The former star of Chelsea, Florent Maloudasurprised the world by announcing his integration into the army of Guyana Françaisewhere he joined the civilian reserve of 3rd Forest Infantry Regiment (REI). This choice marks a new chapter in the life of this footballer who has had an impressive career in the world of sport.
At 44, Malouda had a notable time at Chelsea FC, with whom he won numerous titles, including the coveted Champions League in 2012. During his six seasons spent with the Blueshe became an emblematic figure of English football. At the same time, he accumulated 80 caps with the team of Francescoring nine goals and reaching the World Cup final.
The footballer, born in Cayennein French Guiana, has always kept a close link with his native land.
In a recent publication on InstagramMalouda shared photos with his military team in the middle of the Amazon rainforest. He captioned the image: “While crossing the Amazon in my native territory, I was able to follow an initiation during the CEFE Authorities course of the 3rd REI at the Equatorial Jungle Training Center. Thank you to the REI for this moment of cohesion and these values of team spirit in the face of adversity. These are essential values in high-level sport.”
The Foreign Legion confirmed its integration via a press release on social networks: “The 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment welcomes Mr. Florent Malouda to its citizen reserve, as an officer. After an exceptional career in international football, he is impatient to share and transmit the values of commitment to young Guyanese alongside the legionnaires of the 3rd REI”.
The Citizen Reserve System allows public figures and seasoned professionals to voluntarily offer their time and efforts to promote the values of the military institution, without the need to be active military personnel. In this context, Malouda will join the regiment's military base located at Kourou.
-During his sporting career, Florent Malouda won 12 major titles, notably withLyon Olympicwhere he won four championships of the Ligue 1 and has been repeatedly ranked among the best players in the championship.
He also had a brief experience at Luxembourgplaying for the FC Differdange 03before ending his career in 2018. Although his departure from Chelsea in 2013 was somewhat bitter, he continues to show his attachment to the club. A few weeks ago, he even shared a photo showing him wearing this season's away jersey. Blues.
Malouda's affection for French Guiana was also evident in 2017, when he played four matches for the local team. Although this territory is considered part of France, allowing its players to represent both nations, Malouda has not forgotten his roots, and his new mission within the army strengthens this special connection with his homeland .
This journey by Florent Malouda raises the question of the involvement of athletes in societal and military initiatives. While some choose to withdraw from the sporting world completely, others find innovative ways to give back to their community and uphold values they hold dear. What do you think of this transition from football to civic engagement?
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