Former France midfielder and Qatar 2022 World Cup runner-up Veretout shared his best wishes for Deschamps, who is stepping down from the France national team, in an exclusive interview with RMC Sport. He also discussed the appointment of Zidane as the new head coach.

Less than four years have passed since Veretout's first visit to Qatar with the France national team during the 2022 World Cup. He joined Qatar's top league last year. Now 33 years old, he is still enjoying life in the Gulf region and is largely not considered for a return to the national team. However, this hasn't stopped him from praising his former coach's career as Deschamps steps down from his position this summer. In an interview with RMC Sport, the Al-Arabi SC midfielder paid a lengthy tribute to his former manager.

Veretout said: "First of all, congratulations to him! Congratulations on everything he has done for the France national team, sincere congratulations! I think he has taken the France national team to its peak." His words were full of respect. "Although the loss in the semi-final of the last World Cup was disappointing, reaching the final four is still a very successful World Cup."

"He took the France national team to its peak."

Deschamps took over in 2012 and stepped down from the France national team after losing to Spain in the Euro 2024 semi-final. He coached the France national team for 12 years, during which he gave Veretout 6 caps and oversaw the national team achieve a series of important accomplishments.

The former Marseille and Lyon player continued: "Four years ago, they reached the final; eight years ago, they won the World Cup; and he also won the World Cup as a player. So, honestly, he took the France national team to its peak. Sincere congratulations to him, and I wish him all the best for his future."

Veretout believes Zidane's appointment is "great for France."

Following Deschamps' departure, the French Football Federation officially announced his replacement. Without hesitation, Philippe Diallo chose Zidane. Veretout believes this is good news.

Veretout said: "Regarding Zidane... it's Zidane! This is great for France. Everyone had already guessed it, but now it's confirmed... It's very good that he's replacing Deschamps, and I hope he performs very well, like Deschamps, or even better, and brings trophies back to France."

Veretout believes the two coaches have different styles.

Deschamps, who led the France national team for over a decade, greatly shaped the team's style. He advocated for efficient football, where results sometimes mattered more than technical performance, and it's precisely for this reason that his long tenure as coach became so significant.

"I'm not sure exactly how many years he was the national team coach, I think 14 years, that's a very long time. Not many coaches can stay in one position for that long. Maybe he also wanted to see other things afterward, which is completely understandable," Veretout said. "They are two coaches with different styles. Now it's the new coach's turn to implement his ideas. Everyone knows Zidane as a player, and they also know what he has brought to the France national team and all the clubs where he has played with his football."

Veretout hopes Deschamps comes to Qatar.

In Veretout's view, with Zidane and coaching staff including Barthez, the France national team has been entrusted to the right people. Now it remains to see what Deschamps will do next. The former France coach, who has been rumored to be heading to Real Madrid and has also received offers from Saudi Arabia, has no intention of retiring. When asked whether he might come to Qatar's top league, Veretout clearly voiced his approval.

"It would always be a pleasure for me to meet him again, talk to him, and congratulate him in person. Honestly, that would be a great pleasure, so why not? After that, I think he has made it very clear that he won't end his career. I wish him all the best, wherever he goes, and I hope he continues to perform brilliantly as he did with the national team. I also wish him and his entire coaching staff all the best."

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