The flow has clearly not flowed… During an interview given to the newspaper
The TeamIslam Slimani returned to the end of his international career, precipitated with the arrival of Vladimir Petkovic at the head of the Fennecs in February 2024.
In fact, the Bosnian technician never called Slimani. So much so that the former Monaco and OL striker’s last selection with Algeria dates back to January 23, 2024, during the match against Mauritania (1-0 defeat) during the group stage of the African Cup of Nations.
If he does not question Petkovic’s choice not to count on him, the top scorer in the history of the Fennecs (46 goals in 105 caps) did not, however, appreciate the way of doing things.
“These are choices, it’s not a problem. Every coach…”first launched the 38-year-old striker, before being revived by journalist Nabil Djellit, who conducted the interview: “Yes but the way it was done, do you feel a lack of respect? »
“He said things that didn’t happen”
“Respectful? I wouldn’t say that,” replied the native of Algiers, and continued: “Did he come and talk to you?” Not at all (affirmative). It’s football, I don’t take it personally. It’s a thankless world. It didn’t affect me. Obviously, there are ways to do it”confided, bitterly, Slimani.
Before concluding: “We had a telephone exchange, he said things that didn’t happen. That’s how it is. I played what I had to play for my country. I gave my all when I was on the pitch. » If he therefore seems to have definitively turned the page on the selection, and even with the departure of Petkovic, Slimani, free since his departure from CFR Cluj, is not yet considering ending his career.
