Basketball at the Olympics: Why America’s Embiid is hated in France

This Saturday (10), the Dream team USA will face hosts France in the highly anticipated final Basketball us Paris 2024 Olympic Games. If a vibrant behavior is already expected from the French fans in the quest for the gold medal, the energy level in the stands should be even higher because, on the other hand, there will be a real “national villain”.

This is the pivot Joel EmbiidOne of the USA’s biggest highlights of the tournament so far. In an interview before the fight against France, the football star Philadelphia 76ers He admitted that he knew he would be cheered on by the home fans before, during and after the game.

“Honestly, I don’t understand why I’m getting so much criticism from the fans. I know they’re going to boo me. And I’m going to respond by telling them to swallow the booze. So, it’s going to happen. It’s fun,” joked Number 11.

But why is Embiid hated by the French?

In 2022, Pivot applied for and received French citizenship, and the president personally responded to his request. Emmanuel Macron. At the time, the expectation was that it was a demonstration that he would play Blues At the Paris Olympics. But that didn’t happen…

In recent interviews, Embiid explained that in his conversations with Macron, he made no promises to defend France. In fact, he took advantage of the meetings to discuss international politics with the president, highlighting that foreign relations between the French and several African countries were colonized “and nothing good,” the Star reported.

It is precisely for this reason that the Cameroon (former French colony) born player insists that it is “easy to understand” why he chose to play for the United States.

He became a US citizen in 2023 and has lived in the North American country since the age of 16. NBA “Pressure” was applied behind the scenes to hire him Dream teamHe said he was a “key piece” in the team. Saying “yes” to the coach’s call was enough Steve Kerr.

“I lived half of my life in America and the other half in my country of birth, Cameroon. So, I had both these options (security teams)”, he explained.

“But from the beginning I made it clear to everyone that even if Cameroon had qualified (for the Olympics), I would not have chosen (to play for the country),” he continued.

“Eventually, my whole family moved (to the U.S.) and we built a lot of things there. So, for everything I accomplished in the U.S., and to get to know the guys on the (national team) team. In a deep way, it was easy to make the decision (to play Dream team)”, he argued.

Pivot is running a great Olympics. Last Thursday (8), he faced the reigning NBA MVP. Nikola JokicIt went well Match against SerbiaRegister 19 points, 4 The comeback and 1 st.

In the last three matches, the star has been average 16 Points for a game and application 61% of kicks. All this “encourages” the fans louder and louder in the stands.

“I know a lot of people want me to say controversial things because of what’s going on here (in France) and everything. But the only thing I’m saying is to win gold. So, that’s what I’m into. On Saturday, the focus has to be on USA x France, nothing else.” Embiid concluded.