This time it seems final, Thomas Heurtel will not wear the jersey of the French team at the 2024 Olympic Games. The French leader, so precious as a “joker” with the Blues, has decided to extend his contract with Zenit Saint-Petersburg, and Eurohoops announces that he is now linked to the Russian club until 2025.
A year ago, Heurtel had been at the heart of a controversy after having chosen to engage with a Russian club, when he had nevertheless signed a sworn statement, stipulating that he was not engaged. or would not engage with a Russian or Belarusian club for the duration of the conflict with Ukraine…. A decision which had automatically closed the doors of the French team to him, even if he still hoped to change the Federation’s mind.
Thomas Heurtel and Amath M’Baye not selectable
“If the Federation calls me, I will be ready”he explained in February, while maintaining contact with general manager Boris Diaw and the players of the France team. “It’s always an honor to wear this jersey.”
Not selected for the 2023 World Cup, like Amath M’Baye, who joined him in the Russian championship, Heurtel never really understood that players who play in Russian clubs are considered pariahs.
“I don’t really understand the purpose of this decision. We play professional sports, we are human beings like everyone else, we hate wars. I don’t think it makes sense because I just work in a Russian club. […] Even though I signed in Russia, that doesn’t mean I don’t sympathize with Ukrainians.”he explained in an interview with Ouest-France.
