Midfielder Tchouameni says he 'hates extremes' before France votes

"In everyday life, I hate extremes. I'm more for a politics of unity, that's what represents France the best," the Real Madrid player said at a press conference at Euro 2024 in Germany. "I call on everyone to go and vote."

President Emmanuel Macron unexpectedly called elections earlier this month after his party was heavily beaten by his rival Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally in European elections. Tchouameni said he "shares" the views expressed by his teammates Kylian Mbappe and Marcus Thuram.

Mbappe said last week he was "against extremes and divisive ideas", while Thuram has said he wants to keep the National Rally from power. Tchouameni said both of his teammates had delivered "strong messages".

The president of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, has said he has guaranteed to the players that they can express their views about the elections, although the federation will remain neutral. France will vote in two rounds, on June 30th and July 7th.

Tchouameni made his first appearance at Euro 2024 in the goalless draw against the Netherlands on Friday. France face the already-eliminated Poland in their final group game on Tuesday.

 

June 23, 2024