Misunderstanding and redemption? Misunderstood, Thomas Heurtel says he is. In an interview with Ouest-France on Saturday, the tricolor playmaker talks about his situation, that of a player who, by signing in Russia, saw himself closing the doors of the French basketball team. A case that had been talked about a few months ago.
After signing the charter of the French federation (FFBB) prohibiting any player of the French team from playing in the Russian championship because of the Kremlin offensive in Ukraine, Thomas Heurtel had finally signed at Zenith Saint-Petersburg. A decision which had resulted in him no longer being able to be selected for the Blues.
What if he left Russia this summer?
A few months later, the former leader of FC Barcelona returns to a situation which, he says, puts him in trouble. He wants to continue his adventure in the tricolor jersey. “If the Federation calls me, I’ll be ready. It’s always an honor to wear this jersey, ”says Heurtel, who says he is still in contact with several members of the Blues staff, including Boris Diaw, former captain and now manager.
“I don’t really understand the purpose of this decision, argues the leader with 99 selections. We play professional sports, we are human beings like everyone else, we hate wars. I don’t think it makes sense because I just work in a Russian club. (…) Even if I signed in Russia, that does not mean that I do not sympathize with the Ukrainians. »
In his mind, Thomas Heurtel still hopes to compete in the next World Cup (August 25 to September 10) as well as the Paris Olympics. “It would be magical,” he enthuses. Before discussing his future: “but I project myself more on what will happen in the off-season because it will be an important summer for me”. To return to the tricolor bosom, he will certainly have to cut his ties with any Russian club. An important career choice will have to be made.