Following the position taken by soccer player Marcus Thuram, also the spearhead of the FranceKylian Mbappétook sides asking the transalpine population to go and work “against the extremists”, referring to Marine Le Pen. Via social media, Matteo intervened in response to the attacker Salvini.
The words of France footballer Kylian Mbappé
“We know that we are experiencing a very important moment in the history of our country, an unprecedented situation. This is why I feel the need to address all the French peopleand especially to the younger generations.”
These are the words spoken today – Monday 17 June 2024 – by the attacker Kylian Mbappé, on the eve of the match between France and Austriathe first for the two teams in these European football championships.
The words of the French footballer, Kylian Mbappé, against right-wing extremists and Marine Le Pen’s party
“I think we are a generation that can make a difference – continued the transalpine footballer – Today it is clear that extremists are about to take power and we have the opportunity to decide the future of our country.”
Mbappé’s appeal against Le Pen
“This is why I ask all young people to go and vote, to realize the situation – continued Mbappé during the press conference – And I hope that my voice reaches as many people as possible, because we need to identify with this country […]with our values, such as diversity, tolerance, respect”.
“All this is indisputable and I trust the French. I know that some young people, although they agree, they think that one vote doesn’t make a difference, but it’s the opposite: every vote countsshould not be overlooked – clarified Mbappé, who then concluded his speech – I really hope that we will make the right choice, and that we will still be proud to wear this shirt on 7 July”.
The words of the footballer are clearly referring to Marine Le Pen and the incredible result achieved by his far-right party in the last elections, Rassemblement National. Words that echo those pronounced by teammate Marcus Thuram (Lilian’s son), and which Matteo Salvini did not like.
Matteo Salvini’s response
On the issue of the elections in France, after Mbappé’s words, he intervened the Italian Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Matteo Salvinipublishing a post with which he wanted to have his say on the topic.
“The Rassemblement National of Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, the ‘extreme right’ (how scary!), after the triumph at the European elections, risks also winning the political elections? No problem, here come the appeals, alarms, excommunications” said Salvini, minimizing Mbappé’s words and growing concerns in Europe about the rise of right-wing parties.
Matteo Salvini’s post, in response to Mbappé’s statements
“Don’t you think how you SHOULD think? You are a dangerous extremist – concludes Salvini – But the wind of change in France and throughout Europe is blowing very strongly”. Other players of the French national team however, directly interested in the elections in their country, they made appeals like those of Mbappé and Thuram, in an attempt to avoid a return to an intolerant and closed policy.
Photo source: IPA/ANSA
