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Da Cunha reveals how Zidane made him feel at ease from his first call-ups

New France squad member Lucas Da Cunha has told Le Parisien how Zinédine Zidane welcomed and integrated him into the group, highlighting the personal attention the manager gives to each new player.

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Da Cunha reveals how Zidane made him feel at ease from his first call-ups
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Lucas Da Cunha quickly found his feet with the France national team, and the Como midfielder credits much of that to Zinédine Zidane. In an interview with Le Parisien, the 25-year-old detailed the relationship he built with the manager during his first call-ups.

“He’s a legend for all of us and, as a person, someone exceptional. I loved it! Whenever he had a moment, he would come and talk to me, taking an interest in the man and the player I am,” said the former Rennes player. A closeness he considers decisive for performances both in training and in matches.

“Even in training, he communicated a lot and highlighted every positive thing. He made me feel that I deserved my place. It’s the way he talks to you, making you understand that you’re like everyone else… What he did with me, he did with all the new players. He didn’t have to, but it didn’t surprise me: we know the class of this man.”

Author of a remarkable start to the season with Como in Serie A, Da Cunha is expected to feature in Zidane’s next squad list for the UEFA Nations League matches against Italy and Turkey. A confirmation that would mark another step in the midfielder’s rapid progression towards regular starter status with France.

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