Almost two years after being cut from the team of Francefollowing its signing in Russia, Thomas Heurtel is coming to what appears to be the final turning point in his career. Having left Zenit St. Petersburg, he is looking for a new contract and this change of club could potentially have opened the doors of Les Bleus for the Olympic Games, had it come a little earlier.
Except that, even if he admits to having met the bosses of the France group, the leader was still hesitant and he did not want to cause potential new problems…
” I spoke with Vincent Collet and Boris Diaw, but I didn't know if I was going to stay in Saint Petersburg. ” he confides in Eurohoops. ” I didn't want to say that I wasn't going to stay, go to the national team, and then possibly return to Russia. That would have created an even more messy situation. For the Olympics, the preparation started very early and I hadn't made my decision at that time. [Vincent Collet et Boris Diaw] They just told me I couldn't be selected and I accepted it. I was a little sad, but I didn't regret anything. I didn't do anything wrong. I can't control what I can't control. »
From afar, Thomas Heurtel followed the epic of his compatriots in Paris, which ended with a fine silver medal.
” I am very happy with the result of my teammates and the staff at the Olympic Games. ” he assures on this subject. ” But it was sad to watch for me. I would have loved to be with them… »
“I didn't lie to anyone”
Now ready to take on a new challenge within a major European club, Thomas Heurtel has not, however, completely said goodbye to the French team, even if Jean-Pierre Siutat considered his career in Bleu as “over” in 2022.
” Playing for the national team always represents a great source of pride, so if I had the opportunity to play for France again, it would be a huge source of pride. ” recognizes the four-time international medalist. ” Wearing that jersey and playing for your country is always great. I hope I get a second chance because I haven't done anything wrong, honestly. Being a mentor and having a different role would be a pleasure.. »
As he already made clear at the beginning of the year, Thomas Heurtel continues in any case to proclaim his innocence and honesty concerning the charter episode, despite the FFBB's denial.
” The Federation has decided that players playing in Russia will not be able to play for the national team. ” recalls the 35-year-old player. ” But I told everyone from the very beginning that I was going to sign in St. Petersburg. I didn't lie to anyone and I didn't say anything bad. Everyone knew what I was going to do… »
With the confirmed departure of Vincent Collet, and the expected departure of Jean-Pierre Siutat, it is therefore possible that Thomas Heurtel will return to the French team for Eurobasket 2025.
