Lucas Chevalier, called up for the first time with the France team, began his new life this Friday. He appeared in front of the media for the occasion, revealing his first emotions following this first selection for the Blues.
What are your feelings following this first invitation?
This sounds a bit like what all gamers can say. A feeling of pride, a certain accomplishment, at least the beginning of an accomplishment. We look back a little at everything that has been done since we were very young here. I am very happy, very proud, but you always have to be measured. It's just a step. You have to know how to savor the moment, but you will have to be good. We will have to show things too. You have to use that to be able to grow even more.
Was this selection a surprise?
Since the resumption, in August, with the play-offs… I have performed quickly on the European scene. This is also what gives an additional impact to my career. It's a surprise in the sense that it's the first time, but I think there's an element of logic in all of this. Yes, I have merit, but if I hadn't been called up, it wouldn't have been a big deal. If it had been in six months, it would have been in six months. It's good that it's happening now, but I didn't say it was an obligation. I'm just happy. The feedback I've had and from what I see, from what I've seen, people don't seem against this decision.
Do you remember your first match after that?
There are so many things and then sometimes people remind you of things. Since 2 p.m. yesterday, my life has changed because people look at you differently. The impact you have, everything is increased tenfold. It's certain that it resurfaces, all the things you've done that seemed trivial take on more importance because people look at you with big eyes. It's flattering. The best thing about all of this is to keep your feet on the ground and keep going. Now people will be more demanding, like when you are international.
People look at you differently. Do you have an example?
One example stood out to me and made me laugh. Yesterday during the list, I wasn't live on the thing. I was in the car. The list must have come out around 2:09 p.m. A minute before it was very quiet and then the phone was blowing up everywhere. I didn't understand what was happening while I was driving. It struck me and made me laugh. You tell yourself that this is something important for us, but also for the people around.
You will find Mike Maignan…
We exchanged two or three messages. The story is honestly beautiful. If we had been told that so quickly, that we were going to find ourselves in the French team, maybe people would have thought we were crazy. We had the firm conviction that it was achievable and it is today. We will have to photograph the moment carefully in the beast. It's beautiful for me and for him too I think, and for the Lille supporters. When we have training with two Lille players in the cages, it will do something. I am very proud and then… we remain professionals all the same. We're going to do our job too.
What does this jersey mean to you? And what comes to mind when you think of the France team?
If I had to name a match, it would be France – Ukraine at the Stade de France, qualifying for the World Cup, with Sakho’s double. I don't know why, but that's what comes to me. I am entering a very important nation in the world, which is perhaps the best. There's a story to tell and that makes it bigger for everyone. We do not fit into the small selection. I think everyone has their match in reference to themselves. To be part of this group, to start getting into it, it's rewarding. This jersey is France, the nation. Football is a way of bringing people together. Football has so much impact on people's moods, life in general, even politically. When we enter the field with this jersey, we defend a territory, colors, with all the history behind it. We're not going to go off to the crusades and everything either (laughing), but there is this feeling of terroir. I have this thing.
What comes to mind when you learn it?
Above all, it’s the fact that your life is changing. You tell yourself clearly, that you will have to be even more careful about what you do, what you say and then on the ground, the journalists will perhaps be tougher too. It’s a quick realization. It's been several gatherings that my name has come up and I've had a little time to prepare. Little by little, I finally got into condition. I obviously had a big natural smile.
Do you realize how proud Lille supporters are to see your selection?
I didn't watch the networks. I put it on airplane mode because it was coming from everywhere. It’s certain that I feel that people are borderline happier than me (laughing). This touches me a lot because, I think I don't realize the impact I have on the people of Lille, but it warms my heart. It's like they're part of my family. I don't think I realize all that. And maybe that's why I take things naturally and don't lose control.
You are going to go from starting goalkeeper to third goalkeeper, is this the start of a new loop, of new learning?
It should clearly be taken like that. The door is open to me and I am delighted. But having Mike (Maignan), but also beyond, there are a few players that I know a little. I don't arrive in the total unknown. I know I can hold on to some knowledge a little. It's always better to integrate me. You really have to take it without pressure, discover it. And then the effect that it has, the castle, the media coverage increased tenfold, I will try to arrive like that, as natural as possible. It won't be easy because we're not robots, but we'll try to enjoy it as much as possible.
