Franck Kessié delivers himself exclusively for www. africanews24. digital. The Ivory Coast midfielder returned to the qualification and ambitions of the “Elephants” at the next African Cup of Nations. But also on his metamorphosis in selection as at AC Milan. Exclusive maintenance

Franck Kessié, are you relieved after the qualification of the “Elephants” at the next African Cup of Nations?

We must give glory to God who allowed us to qualify. I’m obviously happy as all my teammates after these two victories against the  Niger  (0-3, 5  th  day) and  Ethiopia  (3-1, 6  th  day). These two successes allow us to finish in first place in Group K (13 points +6). It is true that we had made a mistake at the start. Now we will have to work hard for the  CAN . We will find great teams in the final phase. So, we have to be ready for January 2022.

Franck Kessié takes more and more his responsibilities in the game of the Ivory Coast. How do you explain this metamorphosis?

If you’ve seen it, it certainly is. I feel more comfortable because I feel more mature. I have been playing at the top level for 7 years. In the national team, I am now a member of the group. Which gives me more responsibilities. Thus, my role is to provide advice to young brothers who arrive in particular in selection.

Côte d’Ivoire will still be cited among the favorites at the next CAN. Is this additional pressure on you?

When we call ourselves the Ivory Coast, we do not go to a CAN to lose it. We are aware that we will not be in Cameroon as extras. The objective will be, in effect, a 3 rd gold medal, after 1992 and 2015. In all modesty, we are able to do. However, we must not rest on our laurels because we have to work hard to make it happen.

Now let’s talk about your club, AC Milan. How do you feel in Lombardy?

I like it there. The current is going well with my leaders and my teammates as well. Which gives me pleasure to play. I pray to God that I can continue this momentum. The rest will come after the end of my contract (2022).

You are now considered to be the penalty specialist in Milan and in the national team. Do you have a special secret?

I have no particular secret. It is a question of concentration. I look at the position of the keeper and I put my technique to deceive him. It works for me at the moment. And I am proud of it . It should still be noted that I work on penalties in training sessions.

Tell us a bit about your beginnings in football. It seems that it was during a mini football tournament called “Mondialito” in Yopougon (editor’s note: a town in Abidjan) that you were spotted …

(Laughs). Yes the  Mondialito  was indeed a starting point for me. And I will never forget it. I am a pure product of this tournament. I would also like to appeal to all my young brothers and make them understand that we must believe in our dreams. This competition is a real breeding ground for detection. I therefore encourage them to take part in it seriously. But after all, it will take hard work to get to the top. Nothing is easily obtained. I wish this tournament great success, which will be in its 15th edition this year.