Ousmane Dembelé had to cancel his trip to the French national team due to injury. Instead, the 27-year-old spoke publicly about how to deal with criticism – and the end of his career.
At least since his inglorious departure from Borussia Dortmund, Ousmane Dembelé has had a “special” reputation in Germany. His behavior also repeatedly sparked discussions at his subsequent clubs in Barcelona and Paris.
But how much does Dembelé actually let public opinion affect him? On the YouTube channel ESN Media – The Bridge, the former Dortmund player spoke remarkably openly with the two moderators Jules Koundé (FC Barcelona) and Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), with whom he plays in the French national team.
“From the age of 18 until my second or third season in Barcelona, I let the criticism get to me too much,” Dembelé admits: ‘I often paid attention to what was said about me. But there will always be someone who doesn’t like you. I’ve made progress in that regard.’
Of course, he has also had ‘terrible’ performances. But: “I know myself whether I played well or not.” In the current Ligue 1 season, Dembelé has made ten appearances – and has collected a strong eleven points (five goals, six assists). “I love football,” he says: “It would be very difficult to get out of bed every morning if you didn’t like what you do.”
In the interview, Dembelé presents himself as reflective, and also talks about the time after his career. If it’s up to him, the 27-year-old has less than seven years left: “I want to retire at 34 – and then invest in real estate. In Africa and also in France.”
Tchouameni: “When you stop, something inside you dies”
Real-Abräumer Tchouameni, who is three years younger, replies in this context: “When I retire, I will concentrate on starting a family.” Tchouameni also does not see a future in football. “Thierry Henry said it. When you stop, something inside you dies. I don’t want to continue playing the sport then. I’d rather run a company,” says Tchouameni.
