Fofana: I want to win a place in France’s World Cup squad
CITY’S YOUNG CENTRE-HALF TARGETS QATAR
WELSEY Fofana is determined to make up for lost time and earn a place in France’s World Cup squad.
The Leicester City centre-back made his first Premier League appearance of the campaign in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United, having now fully recovered from the broken leg and ankle ligament damage he suffered in the final outing of pre-season.
Despite his long lay-off, and even though he has never been capped before, Fofana has his heart set on going to Qatar.
He will be vying for a spot in one of the most competitive positions in international football, with stars like Raphael Varane, Lucas Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, Jules Kounde and William Saliba all in Didier Deschamps’ most recent squad.
“Les Bleus, frankly, is the next step and an objective,” Fofana told Canal Football Club.
“I can’t say it’s just an objective, because that would mean ‘maybe in five years.’ No! It’s an objective, but it’s also the next step.
“I want to get into the France team as soon as possible because I have the determination.
“I want to represent my country. I know that in December, there is a big tournament. I am determined to come back strongly for the World Cup in Qatar.”
If Fofana earns his spot in the squad of the reigning champions, he could be one of a number of City players at the tournament, which runs from November 21 to December 18, bringing about a pause to the domestic campaign.
The likes of Daniel Amartey (Ghana), Kasper Schmeichel, Jannik Vestergaard (both Denmark), Youri Tielemans, Timothy Castagne (both Belgium) and Papy Mendy (Senegal) are very likely to be there as wellestablished members of their countries’ squads.
Mendy could even play in the opening game, with the African champions taking on the Netherlands in the curtain-raiser. Battling to play their way into a place at the World Cup over the next few months are James Maddison, Harvey Barnes, James Justin (all England), and Ricardo Pereira (Portugal), the latter involved at the last tournament in Russia. Goalkeeper Danny Ward will also hope to recover from a knee injury in time to help Wales in their play-off against Scotland or Ukraine in June.
Les Blues is the next step and an objective. I want to get into the France team as soon as possible Wesley Fofana