Emmanuel Macron sends message to Marseille's Chancel Mbemba before Atalanta semi-final
01/05/2024 17:04
Emmanuel Macron has wished Chancel Mbemba (29) luck ahead of Olympique de Marseille's semi-final against Atalanta BC.
The French president spoke to the press before a meeting with his counterpart from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, where he had some warm words to share for the Marseille defender and Congolese defender.
Macron stated, "In sports, many great Congolese athletes play in France, starting with the captain of The Leopards, Chancel Mbemba, to whom I wish the best for Thursday's match with Marseille."
An aside which brought laughter from the journalists gathered, as the French president is a known Marseille supporter and will be expected to be cheering the club on from a distance when the club play on Thursday evening.
Emmanuel Macron to discuss Trophée des Champions bid?
This was likely not the only time that Macron was to discuss football during the meeting with the president of Congo. The African nation has been keen to become the host of the Trophée des Champions – France's curtain raiser to begin the domestic season.
However, Congo suffered a setback to their ambitions when their proposal to host the 2024 edition was rejected without a reason by the LFP. Thierry Braillard, speaking on behalf of the project, has indicated that the nation will not give up easily on their aims, as they feel "legitimately aggrieved and [will] maintain their candidacy."
