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In an interview published in today’s L’Équipe, Leipzig midfielder Christopher Nkunku notably discussed his French national team ambitions.
The former Paris Saint-Germain man has yet to be capped for the senior side despite his impressive run of form for the German side, but has nevertheless not lost hope of breaking into the team, with the World Cup to come at the end of the year.
In November, many thought you would be called up for Les Bleus. What did it feel like to miss out?
I was a bit disappointed. But then I listened to the manager [Deschamps] who told me to carry on what I was doing. It really encouraged me. I’ve been trying to repeat the performances I was having at that time. I’ve transformed that small disappointment into positive energy to keep working. When my time comes, I’ll be ready.
Have you spoken about Les Bleus with Kylian Mbappé and Presnel Kimpembe?
We spoke briefly about it. They thought I would be called up soon. But then they’re not the ones picking the team [laughs].
Is the 2022 World Cup an objective for you?
It’s difficult to say that having not been called up yet. I think to get to that stage there are steps that need to be achieved.
Would you need to leave Leipzig this summer to get called up?
Leipzig is a big team. It’s no longer a stepping stone.Two years ago, we were in the Champions League semi-finals. There are a lot of games to come before this summer. It would be a lack of respect towards the club to think about that. At the end of the season, we’ll get together with the club, my agent, those close to me, to make a decision.
If you were told tomorrow that you could return to Paris, how would you react?
[The offer] would be taken into consideration like all other possibilities. I am not closing any doors.
