French by birth, Robin Le Normand finally opted for the Spanish selection. The Iberian press explains this choice by the fact that Deschamps ignored him in the French team. But, the reality is quite different according to the Real Sociedad player.
Made in France is popular in Spanish football. After Aymeric Laporte, another French-born was drawn into the nets of La Roja. Robin Le Normand is all true Spaniard, having spent most of his career at Real Sociedad. Arrived in the Basque club in 2016 from Stade Brestois, he has not left since. An impressive regularity for the central defender within a future qualified in the Champions League. But that was not enough to see him arrive in the France team. Not selected in blue, Le Normand took Spanish nationality to play with La Roja.
Deschamps takes a good look at Real, he contacted Le Normand
A choice regretted in France but appreciated by the Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente. The latter did not hesitate to tackle Didier Deschamps, considering that ” if France did not call him, it is because they did not see him much “. It must be said that just before Didier Deschamps had been hurtful in a press conference. On May 31, for the announcement of his list, he had reacted to the Le Normand case by letting go that the defender was not playing ” in a big European club ” according to him. Amazing words that seemed to express contempt. But, they are not in line with reality.
🗣️ Robin Le Normand: “Después de llevar ocho años de carrera en España, cuando me llamó el seleccionador tomé rápidamente la decisión”.
🚘 Acompañamos al central en sus primeros pasos con la @SEFutbol. Are you coming?
ℹ️ https://t.co/rkdwGdfrgd#VamosEspaña | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/ChD8NqgnQ3
— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) June 9, 2023
Indeed, Deschamps did not snub Le Normand at Real Sociedad, he even contacted him personally to bring him to the French team. It was the defender himself who admitted it to the Marca newspaper. ” The truth is that yes, there have been calls. He is a very good person, but my idea was very clear and I had no doubts. I am very happy and convinced of the decision I made. I prefer that these conversations be confidential “, he revealed in the interview. What to read the words of Deschamps of May 31 in another way. The French coach was perhaps frustrated to have missed a good shot with this solid La Liga defender. The future will quickly give him an answer since Le Normand will be used by Spain in the final four of the League of Nations in a few days.
