Lucas, 24 hours later, what is your feeling about having been called up to the French team?
“I would say it’s a bit like what all players can say: pride, a certain accomplishment, the beginning anyway; We look back a little at everything that has been done since we were very young here… I still remain measured, because it is only a stage. We’re enjoying the moment but we’re going to have to show things. We have to use that to grow even more.”
We’ve been waiting for this selection for a while. Can we say you’re not surprised?
“It’s certain that since the resumption of the championship in August, and the play-offs, I have performed well directly on the European scene. This is what gives an additional impact to my career. I don’t know if it’s a surprise, but it’s the first time. There is an element of logic, I have merit but as I said if I had not been called up, it would not have been serious. If it had been six months from now, it wouldn’t have mattered. It’s good that it’s happening now. I’m happy, because people don’t seem against my presence and the decision.”
“At the time of the list, the phone blew up”
When his name is mentioned by Didier Deschamps, what images come up first?
“There are so many things, people remind you of things. In fact, since 2 p.m. yesterday, my life has changed, because people look at you differently, everything has changed tenfold. And it brings to the surface all the things that sometimes seemed banal to you. The best thing in all of this is to stay with your feet on the ground because the demands will increase, especially because I am international.”
Did you get a lot of reactions from the list?
“One thing that stood out to me and made me laugh: yesterday during the list, I wasn’t live on the announcement, I was in the car. The list must have come out around 2:09 p.m.… The phone exploded everywhere. I was driving, and I couldn’t look… You say to yourself… “ah yeah, it’s important for me but also for the people around”
Canada
