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Emmanuel Macron plays midfield to promote launch of $232m sports fund
Updated 19:17, 18-Oct-2021
Patrick Rhys Atack
Europe;France
00:59

 

France's President Macron briefly swapped his smart suits and presidential palace for soccer boots and the Poissy stadium outside Paris on Friday. It was part of a tour of venues for the Paris 2024 Olympics and an opportunity to announce $232 million for new sports facilities across France. 

"The aim is not simply to get medals, it will be to put sport at the heart of the nation," he said. 

Ahead of next year's election, it was a good opportunity for Macron to associate himself with popular soccer players and managers. World Cup winning captain Marcel Desailly and former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger were among those who donned boots and shin pads to play with the president. 

The centrist politician played, suitably, in the midfield alongside Wenger and former Lyon coach Rudi Garcia.

He was even given a chance to score from the penalty spot - although it wasn't Macron who won the penalty kick. His shot found the back of the net after he beat the goalkeeper with a side-footed strike straight down the middle. 

According to some spectators, the opposition players were not keen to close the president down during the game, perhaps fearful of how the Gendarmes would react if Macron picked up an injury. 

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Wenger said he enjoyed the experience of playing alongside the nation's leader.

"I was happy to play with him, and I think the other way round too. He seemed very happy to play with us, so when everyone finds pleasure in a match, it makes a good team," the 71-year-old said.

"I think his vision of the game and the timing of his passing is good. Obviously, he doesn't have the technical dexterity of the players around him, but there is some material to work with," he added.

Garcia, on the other hand, praised Macron's communication skills but questioned his defensive abilities. 

"He is asking for communication as we were both playing in the middle today, we discussed it before the game, we knew that not everybody would defend in this team, so we knew that with the president, we had to protect our central hinge a little bit," Garcia said. 

Video editor: Patrick Rhys Atack

Cover picture: AFP

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