French President Emmanuel Macron said after his country’s defeat by Argentina in the World Cup finalM in Qatar, “The French national team made us dream.”
The French president published a video clip on his official Twitter account under the title “Proud of you”, where he appears talking to the players in the dressing room.
After the defeat, the French president tried to console the French player, Kylian Mbappe, who remained impassive.
The French president then congratulated the team, telling the silently disappointed players, “There will undoubtedly be regrets after this game (but) you played great football. You had the heart, the desire and the talent” to try.
Upon leaving the room, Macron told reporters that he shared his sadness with the players, “especially because we got close to the goal,” adding, “At the same time, what I told the players is that they made us very proud.”
Exceptional performance
The French President also stressed the “extraordinary” performance of Mbappe in particular, saying, “Frankly, I am not in the best position to relieve people tonight, because I was sad, at least like him.”
Macron concluded, “What this match also tells us is that there is no pre-written scenario, that (winning) is always possible.”
Macron consoles Mbappe (AFP)
Visit the Elysee
The French President confirmed that he would receive the national team players in the Elysee, but without setting a date for that.
Meanwhile, on Monday, Macron will head to the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle off the coast of Egypt to celebrate Christmas with French forces.
Macron consoles Mbappe (AFP)
Argentina beat France on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regular time and 3-3 after two extra periods at Lusail Stadium on Sunday.