Algerian international Andy Delort has been recalled by his coach after retiring. The coach had however almost closed the door to the Nice player, who will have a new chance to shine.
The question was on everyone's mind: by announcing that he did not want to participate in the last African Cup of Nations (CAN) to focus on his club, would Andy Delort one day play again for the Fennecs? When signing in Nice, Delort had promised its leaders not to leave the Riviera club to play in continental competition. The international's decision had in any case quite annoyed coach Djamel Belmadi, who then, more or less clearly, announced that he would now do without the services of his striker.
Since then, water has flowed under the bridge, both on the side of the selection and that of the player, naturalized Algerian just before CAN 2019. Since Andy Delort was declared "no longer selectable" by the coach after having refused to honor his summons, his fate was in abeyance. “Maybe in a year, maybe with someone else, I don't know. Things are obvious to me anyway,” Belmadi said in recent months of re-selecting Delort.
But the attacker will eventually be reinstated in the group. Delort apologized for refusing to play for the Fennecs, before being recalled. He could play against Guinea or Nigeria in one of the Greens' next two friendlies. A repurchase operation in several stages.
Because if his excuses convinced Belmadi, Delort must now put the supporters and his teammates back in the pocket. For the latter, we know that the mission promises to be delicate. Striker Islam Slimani, for example, reminded journalists that he had "never left" and had "always been there". Not like Delort, then. Will the public be able to make sense of things?
If Belmadi assures that "Delort excluded himself from the selection" and that he "had never closed the door to anyone", the coach rounded the corners by confirming that Delort had to give up the green jersey for personal reasons. If the coach recalled the international, however, it is because he believes he can bring something. After a failed CAN and non-qualification for the World Cup, new blood is needed. And Delort represents victory, that of CAN 2019. Belmadi will have every interest in the public and teammates turning the page. Because the Fennecs must start again on a good basis.