Burkina Faso midfielder Gustavo Sangaré is coming off one of the best seasons of his career in the French Ligue 2. The native of Bobo-Dioulasso played a key role in keeping US Quevilly-Rouen in Ligue 2. In this interview, Gustavo Fabrice Sangaré talks first about his fine 2022-2023 season and then about the Burkina Faso national team, the Étalons.
Gustavo Sangaré, how are you enjoying your last season with US Quevilly-Rouen?
Gustavo Sangaré: I think I had a great season this year, scoring a lot of goals (5 goals in Ligue 2). At the start of the season, it was a bit complicated because I was ill from the start. But then I started again and it worked.
What was the atmosphere like in the group that managed to stay in Ligue 2?
This year, we had a very happy group. We saw each other more on the pitch because we were together all the time. We laughed together. If anything went wrong, we got together to find a solution. All that helped us a lot during the season.
What do you really remember about the season?
Our match against Charles Kaboré's Niort (former captain of the Burkina Faso Etalons).When I was 16 at Salitas FC (my training club), Charles Kaboré came to the pitch.We took photos together. My dream was to play with him. Thank God he was there for my first national team selection, but we didn't get to play together. And it was in France that I had the privilege of playing against him. When I saw him, I was moved and happy. He's a kind big brother who gives us advice.After the match, he and I talked a lot. He's a good person.
You've been in every game for the national team, but against Cape Verde just recently, you started on the bench. Were you surprised by that choice?
No, I wasn't at all surprised.I accept it.The national team is not a club.I respect the choice. As far as I'm concerned, the coach has made his choice. It's a good choice. It's now up to me to work on convincing the coach even more.
Gustavo Sangaré, Burkina Faso have already qualified for the 2023 African Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire. Do you see Burkina Faso lifting the trophy with this squad?
I think at the moment we have the squad to win the CAN (African Cup of Nations). Now it's up to us to do things right. Respect the instructions, encourage each other to get good results.
