Midfielder Kheira Hamraoui deemed on Wednesday “unfair” her non-selection by Hervé Renard in the list of 26 players for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. “I am very sad, angry. I take it as an injustice. I have experienced a lot in recent years and, there, it is one more injustice, ”explained Wednesday on France Inter, Kheira Hamraoui, the day after the announcement of the list of the new coach of the Blue.
A sporty choice according to Renard
“I would have really liked to be judged simply on the athlete,” added the former PSG player, who announced at the end of May that she was leaving the club, two years after her assault. Asked on this subject on Tuesday, Hervé Renard had assured “that the decision was sporting” and that it had nothing to do with this story involving Aminata Diallo.
“You should know that there is never anyone who spoke to me about anything, said the coach. I decided in my soul and conscience. When we make choices, we wonder if the players are capable of assuming a substitute role, in the state of mind… We have to make choices. »
Still a hope to wear the blue jersey
“Experiencing a World Cup is everyone’s dream, on the pitch or on the bench. For me, this is not an argument, replied Kheira Hamraoui on Wednesday. I had in line to do this World Cup, that’s what made me stand up during this last season. Not seeing my name on the list hurt me, because the coach said he would only judge on the athlete, and I sincerely think that was not the case. »
Part of the PSG locker room turned against Hamraoui after the violent attack she suffered in November 2021 during an ambush led by hooded individuals. Some players have criticized him in particular for having directed the investigators to Aminata Diallo, his teammate, who witnessed the scene. Reputed to be close to Kadidiatou Diani and Marie-Antoinette Katoto, among others, Diallo was indicted in this case, suspected of being the sponsor of the attack.
This affair also had repercussions on the Les Bleues locker room. Asked about her desire to wear the France team jersey again, Hamraoui answered in the affirmative. “I will believe in it until the end”, she said, ensuring however that she no longer wanted to play in a club in France. “It’s been very hard, I really need to be in a healthy environment,” she added.