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Rami continues fairytale ascent
By Christian Isnard
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Adil Rami (left) vies with fellow France squad
newcomer Matthieu Valbuena (¿Getty Images)
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LOSC Lille Metropole anchorman Adil Rami was the most surprising
inclusion in the France squad to face England on 26 March as the 22-year-old
defensive midfielder has only appeared in 17 top-flight games so far in
his career.
Large selection
Five players received their first call-up on Thursday in all with Matthieu
Delpierre, Mathieu Valbuena, Mathieu Bodmer and Florent Sinama-Pongolle
the other newcomers but, while many may have expected their selection
given that 39 players are on Raymond Domenech's list, no pundit in the
country was touting the tall defensive lynchpin.
Former gardener
"He is a player coming from nowhere," said his coach Claude
Puel. Indeed, just two years ago, the Bastia native was taking care of
a football pitch rather than running on it. Playing for amateur side ES
Frejus, he was an employee of the city as a gardener. Lille, however,
spotted his skills and brought him to the north of France and, after a
serious injury, were able to give him his debut towards the end of last
season.
Morocco spurned
As surprising as his call-up is, Rami always refused to play for Morocco,
his second country, thinking that he might one day play for France. A
cap, either in the B international against Mali on 25 March or the day
after against England, would not prevent him being eligible for the African
nation and could be a boost for his international fairytale.
Rami disbelief
When Rio Mavuba informed Rami that he was on the list, it took time for
him to understand it was true. "I thought it was a joke but in the
end, it's magnificent," said Rami. Domenech though has hinted that
he would not be in his next selection, due to be released in early May,
when only 23 players will be named. "Rami and Delpierre are prospects,"
he stated. "I want to see as many players as possible to have solutions
when key players (Claude Makelele and Patrick Vieira) retire."
Euro2008.uefa.com,
21 March 2008
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