A 41-time French international (9 goals), Djibril Cissé could also have played for Côte d'Ivoire. The former Liverpool and Marseille striker opened up to La Nouvelle Chaîne Ivoirienne on the sidelines of AFCON 2023. He declared: "I'm Franco-Ivorian. I wasn't lucky enough to wear the jersey (of Côte d'Ivoire), but my love and attachment for Côte d'Ivoire have always been there. Whether it's culinary or musical... it's always been part of my life. The message I have for the Elephants is to continue to make us proud, to continue to fight, to continue to make us experience emotions.
However, Djibril Cissé's words have been distorted. Some media outlets reported that the former footballer said he "felt more Ivorian than French". Cissé was keen to refute the allegation. "Are you questioning my love for France? Who exactly do you think you are? I love France and I love the Ivory Coast."
Mettre mon amour pour la france en cause ???
Vous vous prenez pour qui exactement ?
J aime la france et j aime la côte d ivoire et si ça dérange quelqu’un
Que cette personne aille se faire foutre— Djibril Cisse (@DjibrilCisse) February 10, 2024
