Cyrille de la Morinerie, edited by Juline Garnier 10:37 a.m., March 23, 2022, modified at 10:37 a.m., March 23, 2022
The French football team welcomes three new players this year, including Jonathan Clauss.
At 29, the right side of Racing Club de Lens took his first steps at Clairefontaine this week.
Stars in his eyes, he confided in Europe 1 in an exclusive interview.
A new face for the Blues.
Before its first friendly match against Côte d'Ivoire on Friday in Marseille, the French football team welcomed young Jonathan Clauss to its ranks.
The right side of Racing Club de Lens took his first steps at Clairefontaine this week.
Amazed, the player arrived at the foot of the steps of the castle asking where the front door was.
For the 29-year-old midfielder, it's a great discovery.
"Everything is extraordinary. From the people at the reception to the rooms. I had a little stars in my eyes. A waking dream, yes, but which will have to be quickly transformed into a big reality", he said. he entrusted to the microphone of Europe 1.
An unexpected selection for the player
However, at 18, Clairefontaine seemed very far away.
The Strasbourg club had dismissed him.
Without a club, Jonathan Clauss had even considered quitting football.
His father found him in pieces.
"In crumbs, it is the case to say it. I no longer had a taste for anything at all. I was wandering from right to left. When I realized that in fact, I no longer found pleasure in football either. I wondered what I was going to become, "said the player.
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Supported by his parents, Jonathan Clauss hung on and rose through the ranks.
After a first professional contract at 24, then a first La Liga match at 27, he is now international at 29.
With the Blues, Jonathan Clauss still hopes to surprise the French.