At the highest level, players usually continue playing until their bodies gradually start to fail them, which typically happens in their late thirties. Rare are the footballers like Toni Kroos, who choose to end their careers even though they still have much to offer. Specifically, Kroos retired at 34, and former German international’s example will be followed by Ousmane Dembélé. Alongside his national teammates Jules Koundé and Aurélien Tchouaméni, the Paris Saint-Germain winger appeared on the show ’The Bridge’, where they discussed various topics—football, fashion, and life after their playing careers. Dembélé, under contract with PSG until June 2028, plans to play for another seven seasons and already knows what he wants to pursue after hanging up his boots. Dembele scored 8 Champions League goals over 7 years at Barcelona, while Raphinha has already scored 8 Champions League goals in 2024 alone 😳😳 pic.twitter.com/WcfRzmFTm2— Anabella💙❤ (@AnabellaMarvy) November 8, 2024 Furthermore, the PSG winger who was born in France, but has deep African roots (mother is Mauritanian-Senegalese, while his father is Malian) even knows what he will do after retirement. “I want to retire at 34, and then I want to go into real estate. I want to invest in Africa, France…” revealed the 2018 World Cup winner. Tchouaméni, too, does not plan to remain in football.”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 stay connected to the sport. I’d rather become a company executive,” he stated.Ex-Argentina boss shamefully slams Dembele: “He plays like an autistic”Koundé, on the other hand, isn’t entirely sure what he would do post-career but is certain coaching isn’t for him.”It’s tough because we have many interests. I want my family to be well-provided for. I’d like to help others too. I don’t see myself as a coach. But I do find the relationships between players and coaches fascinating. It’s too stressful. Being a coach is very complicated. I’d be lying if I said I love football as much as before. It used to be my passion; now it’s my job. When I started, my off-field life was secondary” said the Barcelona right-back.Jules ‘The Latecomer’ Kounde severely tests Flick’s patienceAnd when Koundé is in the room, fashion is an unavoidable topic. Whenever he appears at national team gatherings, he grabs media attention for his distinctive style. He’s aware of this himself.”I know I’m currently in the spotlight because of fashion. People want to see how I dress. My clothing is part of my personality” Koundé explained, although he’s not the only one obsessed with it in the national team. “It’s something we love. Before signing jerseys, we check out how everyone’s dressed. Some of us compete a bit—like me and Konaté, for example,” laughed Dembélé, who then commented on Koundé’s fashion sense: “He’s crossed all boundaries a long time ago, but when he showed up in a crop top and a skirt, he won”.##EDITORS_CHOICE##Dembélé also shared what he enjoys doing in his free time.”I love documentaries. I watch documentaries about history, about World War II… I’m curious about what dictators like Mobutu (former president of DR Congo), that German guy, haha, and Stalin were doing. I really enjoy it; it’s always fascinated me.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8502045##Lastly, a bit about their profession—football—and the constant need for improvement. Koundé admitted to being quite self-critical of his performance and is fully aware of his weaknesses.”Sometimes people don’t realize we have our own standards and goals for certain games. I know best what I’m capable of doing on the field. In my case, when I play as a full-back, people judge me based on things that aren’t my strengths. I understand I’ve changed positions, and that requires different skills. I’m working on that. It’s not good to go into matches thinking you’re too good or that it will be easy, especially as a defender. You lose focus, and in ten seconds, you can cost your team a goal” he said.
