Benjamin Pavard, defender of the Blues world champion Sunday in Russia, was welcomed as a hero Wednesday in Jeumont (North), where he grew up, and was awarded the medal of the city by the mayor of the town.
"Sorry I do not have a lot of voices, started the right side. It's an honor and a pride to be here. Thank you all for your messages and support. You have a huge heart in Jeumont, this reward is also for you .
" Thank you from the heart. We are extremely proud of the champion but especially of the young man you are. The children of this city now have a benchmark, an example, " said Benjamin Saint-Huile, the mayor (PS) of Jeumont when he awarded him the medal of honor of the city to some 300 guests.
Hundreds of supporters gathered in front of the city hall to welcome the 22-year-old, who was unknown before the World Cup and who made his name thanks to his goal of anthology scored in the round of 16 against the Argentina (4-3).
The defender, who started football at the US Jeumont, before being trained in Lille, 1 hour drive from his hometown where his parents still live, was warmly applauded by the fans who chanted his name and a song created by fans after his superb goal.
"Benjamin Pavard, I do not think you know. It comes out of nowhere, a bastard strike, we have Benjamin Pavard, "shouted loudly hundreds of admirers gathered in front of the town hall, on whose facade stands a huge tricolor flag of fifteen meters long.
Benjamin Pavard was then expected at the digital station, the main cultural center of the city of Jeumont where hundreds of supporters have gathered since midday in the expectation of their champion.
Jeumont, which has some 10,000 inhabitants, has already hosted another famous French footballer, Jean-Pierre Papin, who grew up and began football in the northern city.