Barcelona star admits he is falling out of love with football

Tom Weber

• Updated: 16 Nov 2024 16:25 GMT
• 3 min read

Barcelona star Jules Kounde has revealed that football is no longer a passion for him but simply a job.

The France international has been thriving under new Barcelona coach Hansi Flick in the early stages of this season. Kounde is one of the first names on the teamsheet, having made the right-back position - a role he is not particularly fond of - his own.

The 26-year-old has been almost ever-present under Flick and France boss Didier Deschamps similarly relies on him. Kounde is viewed as a consummate professional and supporters love him.

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In recent months, the Frenchman has gone viral on social media for heading to the gym to work out immediately after games, taking the train from France back to Spain - rather than a private jet - and for his sense of fashion.

And indeed the latter appears to be swiftly becoming his new passion, with Kounde admitting that he is beginning to fall out of love with football.

Kounde makes stunning admission

Speaking in an interview with The Bridge alongside Les Bleus teammates Aurelien Tchouameni and Ousmane Dembele, Kounde said: "I know I've become the man of the moment in terms of fashion. People want to see how I dress. My clothes are part of my personality."

"It is difficult because I have many interests," he responded when asked about his future plans. "I want my family to be safe. I would also like to help others.

"I don't see myself being a coach, but I find the relationships between players and coach very interesting. It is too much stress. Being a coach is very complicated.

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"I would be lying to you if I told you that I love football as much as before. Before it was my career, now it is my job. When I started, my life off the pitch was secondary."

This seems to be a common theme in the French squad. "I want to retire at 34," Dembele said. "Then I want to get into the property business. Invest in Africa, in France."

Similarly, Tchouameni revealed: "After football, I want to focus on raising a family. When you stop playing, as [Thierry] Henry said, something inside you dies. I don't want to be linked to sport. I prefer to be a company director."