Jeremy Doku stated that “he has nothing against” the journalist who criticized his decision to leave the Belgian national team during the World Cup, in order to be by his wife’s side for the birth of their first child.

His wife, Shirin, was due to give birth in the second week of July, and Dokou had told Reuters, before the tournament began, that he intended to leave the team to be present for the birth, even if Belgium remained in contention for the title.

However, his decision sparked strong reactions from “L’Équipe” host Françoise Pierron, who had described a father as “completely useless” at the time of his child’s birth.

The French newspaper later apologized, emphasizing that Pierron’s comments were “far removed from the values” of the media outlet. The host herself also apologized, but was taken off the show until the end of the season.

Ultimately, Doku missed Belgium’s 0-0 draw with Iran in the group stage, traveling back to the United Kingdom to be by his wife’s side for the birth of their son, Prey.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Doku said he understands why some people questioned the timing of the events. “There was, of course, a lot of buzz surrounding the case. I can understand why some people believed that perhaps it was all premeditated, because the timing seemed too perfect.

I also saw the reporter talking about me and the case, but also saw people turning against her. However, I wanted to use this video as well to… pray for her. “I don’t want to attack her, as most people did. I don’t want people to be so harsh on her. We don’t know what she’s been through. It’s her opinion,” the Belgian initially emphasized.

He continued: “She was fired, and all of this happened. I would never wish something like that on anyone. I have nothing against her, nor am I angry with her or anything like that. She simply expressed her opinion.”

Doku played for 86 minutes in his home country’s World Cup opener, in the 1-1 draw with Egypt, before missing the next match; his absence was initially attributed to illness. Later, the Belgian Football Association announced that the 24-year-old had traveled to London to be with his wife, “with the approval and under the supervision of one of the national team’s doctors.”

*photo source: AP