During the victory of the French team against Colombia (1-3) in a preparation match for the 2026 World Cup, a slight moment of tension appeared between Rayan Cherki and Lucas Digne. In the first half, after a foul obtained at the edge of the area, the two players briefly competed for the ball to take a free kick. Finally, the Aston Villa side took it upon himself to execute it, without success. A quick exchange, occurring in the context of an engaged match, but without consequences for the rest of the match.
Questioned at a press conference, Didier Deschamps quickly put an end to any controversy surrounding this episode: “it’s not related to that. It wasn’t about their situations. It was linked to gestures (of the Colombians). The Cherki/Digne exchange on the free kick? If you want a bone to gnaw on, take this one, it’s a pseudo episode, ten seconds later, we move on. » A version also confirmed by Rayan Cherki, who also wanted to calm the situation after the meeting: “There are really no instructions. During the warm-up, I pulled one which I put on beautifully. Of course I wanted to shoot it. I’ll come by later, it doesn’t matter. If we are friends? Of course. He will come and play with us soon (during Manchester City-Aston Villa in the Premier League, Editor’s note), we will take care of him, don’t worry (smile)”.
