On Wednesday, sporting superstars Didier Drogba and Kylian Mbappé joined French president Emmanuel Macron and Liberia head of state George Weah at the Elysée Palace in Paris to launch a platform that will support sports in Africa.
Investment in sport in Africa
Hosted by Macron, the three sporting superstars, past and present, committed themselves to support a French initiative for transformation through sports in Africa, reported Africanews. With an initial budget of €15 million, the platform will include the construction of infrastructure, the provision of sports facilities and training programs or business start-up aid.
According to Macron, it is “sport, especially football, which has made it possible” to disarm young people after the two Liberian civil war (1989-1997 and 1999-2003). “It’s a way to find a role in society, to rebuild respect, to have real heroes,” said the head of state.
Other guests to the meeting included Fifa President Gianni Infantino and Caf President Ahmad Ahmad.
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“Even though I’m French, I have African origins,” – Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé, born in France to a Cameroonian origin father and an Algerian mother, acknowledged that he will invest all of his energy to support the transformation of Africa.
“I learned a lot during that lunch. There are many lessons. It’s truly a rewarding experience, says the center forward. These are themes that are important to me,” Mbappé told Le Parisien outside of the Elysée Palace.
“Even if I am French, I have African origins. Helping African sport develop is important to me. If I can help through my notoriety or others, I will do it with pleasure. There are many things to do in Africa. I will put all the energy I can to help the maximum. Ongoing projects have been mentioned. It will be for a near future. I cannot say too much for the moment but I will invest in this project as best as I can.”
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Drogba impressed by Mbappé
On the steps of the Elysée Palace, Didier Drogba told Le Parisien that he was impressed by Mbappé’s mature behavior. His maturity and self-expression were impressive”, said the Phoenix Rising player about the 19-year-old PSG striker. “Everything that he said was rational and thoughtful — he is a breath of fresh air”.
Weah’s first official visit
This was Weah’s first official trip outside of Liberia. The 1995 FIFA World Player of the Year, holder of a French nationality, is a key component in Paris’ intentions to revive its bilateral relations with the economically weakened Liberia. Weah, elected President at the end of December, thanked France for a €10 million donation to “face the challenges of a broke Liberia”.
-AS.com