Share

Debuchy yearning for Europe

Cape Town - Mathieu Debuchy could be open to leaving Newcastle United when the World Cup is over after admitting he misses European football.

The France international, who started in his side's Group E victories over Honduras and Switzerland, joined the Magpies in January 2013 from Lille, where he had just won the domestic double.

Debuchy also played in the UEFA Champions League for Les Dogues and he has confessed to yearning for those European nights again.

The 28-year-old right-back still has four years left on his contract at St James' Park and he acknowledges the fans provide an "incredible" buzz on Tyneside, but that might not be enough to keep him at the Premier League club.

He told the media at Les Bleus' training base in Brazil: "It's really incredible to play in that atmosphere. Having said that, I miss European football, and the Champions League in particular.

"For the moment, I'm concentrating on the World Cup - and we'll see about the rest afterwards."

Debuchy could be rested for his country's final group game against Ecuador on Wednesday, with their qualification for the last-16 all but assured, meaning a first start in the tournament for Bacary Sagna.

But the Toon defender said: "Personally, I want to play. It's the World Cup, we've dreamed about this. I want to play every game.

"I don't feel like I'm first-choice. I ask questions of myself after every game. When I'm called upon, I try to give my all."
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1471 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE