Liverpool and France defender Ibrahim Konate said he was delighted to be called up to the last cock camp during the international break.

Konate joined France’s camp as a replacement for colleague Raphael Varane, who was injured against Denmark in the European Nations League.

Konate stated: “I received the news that I was called up to the national team while I was on a boat with friends in Greece. We had fun and laughed. Then I saw two missed calls and decided to call back because I didn’t know the number.”

He added: “I had an amazing feeling, my friends were dancing with happiness because of this news and I couldn’t tell my family right away, it still had to be kept a secret, but I was very happy, I was very well hit in this group, like all new players, there are many players that I have known for a long time.

He concluded: “It’s a bit more difficult for me, but I had the opportunity to play in the Champions League final, so I still have some kind of rhythm, ready or not, I have no choice, it’s not easy to digest the sequence of events, especially after such a great season.”

Eddie Khoury