Hernandez : 'Spain gave me everything, but France is my country'

BeSoccer 7 years ago 1.2k
Hernandez spoke about the vagueness surrounding his selection. GOAL

Caught between France and Spain, Lucas Hernandez explained his decision to represent 'Les Bleus' and his attachment to his country.

How was your first experience in the French selection squad?

Lucas Hernandes : It's an unforgettable experience. It will stay with me for the rest of my life. Playing with teammates like that who make things easier for you is really a good thing and I hope I'll be able to continue.

Have you definitely chosen to represent France?

Yes of course. Everyone had a lot to say about the situation and it's normal, but my decision was made a while ago. I'm proud to be French, proud to wear this shirt and I will defend it until death. 

Yet, you said you could choose to represent Spain...

I am a very ambitious player and the people who know me, know that. I had no news of the French team and when the coach called me to ask my situation, I didn't hesitate for even thirty seconds. I told him ''yes'' straightaway and that I was ready to defend this shirt. Of course I thought about things when I had no news, but once the coach called me, and with the help of [Antoine] Griezmann, I did not have to think more than that. 

Do you think some of your comments may have been badly perceived in France?

Yes I think it may have been badly received. I am 22-years-old and I have been living in Spain for 18 years, so when I say that Spain gave me everything on a personal and footballing level, it's the truth. It's also true that I speak Spanish better than French, I don't try to hide it. Spain gave me everything, but my country is France. There may have been some misinterpreted words here but at no moment did I say that France was not my country. 

What ties you to France?

It is my family. I only lived with my mother and brother in Spain but as soon as we have time off or holidays, I try to come here [to France] to spend time with my family.

Do you hope to have more game time against Russia?

I am enjoying my time with the French team. I am very happy to be here and I hope to have more game time but if I don't, it's not the end of the world. I will return to my club to do everything I can to be in the list for the World Cup.

The Spanish media reported a rumour that a pact with Didier Deschamps would guarantee you a place in the World Cup, can you confirm or deny this?

It says a lot, we also know that they reported I declined Deschamp's offer, which was wrong. This is also false, no player knows for sure if they will be at the World Cup. It's up to us to prove ourselves to be there. 

Could a career in France, at PSG for example, interest you?

I live in the present and I don't anticipate the future. I'm at Madrid, I'm good there and I'm not thinking about changing clubs at the moment. In the future, who knows. I'm from Marseille, I like Marseille therefore it could be a little complicated to go to Paris. Anything can happen but I don't think it's feasible at the moment. 

Julien Quelen, for 'Clairefontaine'. 

Mentioned in the news story

Lucas Hernández
World Cup