Evan Fournier is currently on the French national team’s roster, ahead of the country’s two 2027 World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia (August 27, home) and Sweden (August 30, away).
The 33-year-old Olympiacos guard gave an in-depth interview on the official website of the “Tricolors,” discussing his long tenure with the national team, as well as the fact that he and Rudy Gobert are the only remaining veterans from the “old guard.”
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Here’s what he said in detail:
After the Paris Olympics, did you think about whether you would continue your international career?
“I thought about it. It crossed my mind. But I still love the sport, so the decision was pretty quick. Unfortunately, last summer I wasn’t able to play for the French national team; I’d injured my ankle. So when you miss a match—and for me, it was the first time—it crosses your mind: What should I do?”
You’ve won six medals with the French national team. Did your quest for the gold medal motivate you to keep going?
“It was very hard for me to say no last summer. Let’s not kid ourselves. A European Championship offers more chances for a gold medal than a World Cup or the Olympics. It was a sacrifice of sorts, because I don’t know if I’ll ever play in EuroBasket again. Of course, I want to win. But I’m not sure if I want the gold as much as I did 5 or 6 years ago. I want to enjoy my last moments in this jersey. And help this young team.”
When you see a talented new generation emerging, do you look forward to sharing moments with them?
“No, exactly the opposite. You think: ‘Damn, I’m getting old!’ (He bursts out laughing.) All my teammates are gone. Rudy Gobert and I are the two oldest players left. But there’s always been a turnover on the French national team—that’s normal. We both have a role to play.
When we joined the national team—along with Thomas Heurtel, Zofrie Lov’ern, and Rudy Gobert—the veterans Boris Diou, Mike Zélabal, and Florian Pietru were very important to our development.
They helped us understand what the French national team is all about and how it works. Now it’s our turn to do the same. That doesn’t mean we won’t work hard to win games, but we have a greater responsibility than before.”
It’s easy, at 33, to adapt to a new role, to become someone else… “I’m not
going to become someone else. I’ll remain myself. There’s no need to rush things. Simply put, in such a young team, there’s inevitably an element of discovery, of the unknown. That’s where I believe we can make a difference. I won’t talk constantly; I’ll speak up when I feel it’s necessary to say something. And it has to be something important. I’ve always been quite expressive at times. And on the field, I’ll be myself.”
Thirteen years after your debut, do you feel like time has flown by incredibly fast?
“I have moments like that. Yesterday I looked around and thought that I’ve hardly experienced anything with this team. Plus, the coaching staff has changed a lot—it’s not just the players. Of course, there are a few familiar faces. There’s a lot to take in. But at the same time, it’s refreshing. It’s important not to rest on your laurels. I’m looking forward to continuing to move forward and playing the first games.”
You’ve had an exceptional season, culminating in the EuroLeague title (Final Four MVP). Has that reinforced your belief that you still have a lot to offer the French national team?
“I’ve always been convinced that to make the French national team, you have to perform. I don’t like special treatment. Just because I’ve been here for over ten years doesn’t mean I have to be on the team. No. You have to earn your spot. And I take that very seriously. I don’t want to be on the team just because I get along well with everyone.”
2026 is a year without competitions. Are you already thinking about the 2027 World Cup in Qatar and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles?
“No, I’m not thinking that far ahead at all. Especially the Olympics. It bothers me when people talk about the Olympics. First, we have to qualify, and that’s not easy. The most important thing is right here, what we’re doing now. There’s no point in talking about next year. We don’t know who will be there or if there will be injuries. Let’s focus on what we need to do.”
*photo source: KYPE
