Ivorian international Franck Kessié has also joined the debate regarding the mockery directed at African players who refuse to represent their countries’ flags.
A significant controversy erupted online following a post by Argentine player Enzo Fernández. He shared a video in which he and his teammates were singing a disrespectful chant aimed at the French national team.
The chant mocked the multiethnic heritage of the French players, particularly those of African origin, insinuating that they are not truly French.
The publication of this video created a scandal in the football world. Later, Fernández issued an apology.
Franck Kessié did not stay out of this debate. Unlike those condemning the Argentine player, he provided an objective viewpoint on the matter. Indeed, many players of African origin prefer to play for Western countries at the expense of their countries of origin. The reason they often give is that they feel indebted to these Western countries because they were trained there.
According to Franck Kessié, African players need to change their mindset. They should not feel compelled to renounce their countries of origin simply because they received their training in the West.
To support his argument, the African champion cited the example of Lionel Messi. Although Messi gained experience in Spain, he chose to play for Argentina, his country of origin.
“Enzo just said what many people think. Africans who deny their origins to play for France. And for those who say they were trained in France and all that, Leo Messi was trained in Spain, treated by the Spanish club. But today, he plays for Argentina, his country of origin. Africans need to wake up,” he declared.
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