In an interview with France 24, Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni stated that the Ballon d'Or "should belong to a French player." He acknowledged that he played in the World Cup while not in peak physical condition and emphasized that Real Madrid "must win the title" this season after going without trophies for two consecutive seasons. The second part of this interview follows.

Related reading: [Tchouaméni: My Mother Told Me Not to Neglect My Studies; If Football Doesn't Work Out, I Want to Be a Businessman]

In late August, your new Real Madrid coach José Mourinho mentioned that you endured extraordinary pain during the World Cup and even took risks to play for France. Can you explain what you experienced at that time?

As he said, around the third or fourth match, or perhaps even earlier, I started feeling pain. Regardless, it was the World Cup, and everyone does their best to perform on the pitch. So I took some risks that I probably wouldn't take under normal circumstances. But I don't regret it. As a player, everyone understands that there are moments and situations where you have to give everything. Although I paid the price later, it became part of my experience, and I don't regret it.

In the semifinal against Spain, you clearly played injured, and it wasn't Aurélien Tchouaméni at his best.

Of course it wasn't 100% Tchouaméni. But this isn't the first time, nor will it be the last. It happens frequently in major tournaments, and as I said, we communicate and consult with the medical team and coaching staff. Steps must be taken to get on the pitch, and that's what I did at that time.

France has a new coach, Zinedine Zidane. This time he didn't call you, saying you needed rest. At 26 years old, do you still have ambitions for the French national team, or do you feel your best years are behind you?

No, at 26, I believe it's a prime age for a player to start understanding the game more deeply. Now that a new coach has taken over, he's doing an excellent job. Every ambitious player dreams of playing for France. Like everything in life, if you perform well on the pitch, opportunities will come naturally.

Real Madrid must win the title this season. Everyone knows this might be the most demanding club in the world, especially when facing difficulties. We have to bring home the trophy this year.

Of course. Real Madrid must win this season. It was the same last season, and it will be the same next season. It's the number one club in the world, and that's no empty boast. This exceptionally high standard constantly pushes us and makes us realize that we must always perform brilliantly. Unfortunately, we haven't met expectations over the last two seasons, but it's not over until the end.

You're fully committed to Real Madrid; do you see your future at Madrid as long-term?

Of course. I hope to play for the biggest club in the world for as long as possible. Time will tell what happens in the future, but regardless, I will give everything, continue performing at a high level, and enjoy this dream as much as I can.

The Ballon d'Or will be announced soon. If Aurélien Tchouaméni had a vote, who would you choose?

Oh, that's a great question! Many players deserve the Ballon d'Or. First, Kylian (Mbappé) had an outstanding season, and I think he truly deserves it. Then there's Ousmane (Dembélé), who was brilliant at Paris and won the Champions League again. And Michaël Olise... so...

All French!

Of course, this award should belong to a Frenchman!

Finally, let's go back to the beginning. You appear to be funding an orphanage in Cameroon. From a football perspective, do you hope to do something locally toward the end of your career or after retirement? We know there's a lack of funding, infrastructure, coaches, and youth development there. Will this come full circle for you?

Of course. I believe that at some point in the future, we will definitely implement some initiatives. This is one of my ideas. Currently, this project is still in the preparation stage, so I can't reveal too many details, but we will definitely put it into practice.

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