Ex-Tottenham ace Pascal Chimbonda: ‘In France, I have no recognition but in England I feel love’

Pascal Chimbonda gets slammed in France for being included in the 2006 World Cup squad, but says in England all he feels is love.
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In a true nomadic career, Chimbonda accumulated more than 100 Premier League games playing for clubs like Wigan, Sunderland, Queen Park Rangers, Blackburn Rovers and two spells with the Tottenham.

Tottenham Hotspur (R) is congratulated by teammate Pascal Chimbonda (C) after scoring his second (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP Tottenham Hotspur (R) is congratulated by teammate Pascal Chimbonda (C) after scoring his second (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP
Tottenham Hotspur (R) is congratulated by teammate Pascal Chimbonda (C) after scoring his second (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP
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He started and played a key role in Spurs’ League Cup final victory against Chelsea in 2008 and his name was often belted out at White Hart Lane with the famous song: “What’s that coming over the hill?! It’s Pascal Chimbonda.”

Despite being one of the best full-backs in the Premier League he was never really considered for France, making only just one appearance for his country in a friendly against Denmark.

Tottenham's French international defender Pascal Chimbonda applauds (Photo credit should read CHRIS YOUNG/AFP via Getty Images)Tottenham's French international defender Pascal Chimbonda applauds (Photo credit should read CHRIS YOUNG/AFP via Getty Images)
Tottenham's French international defender Pascal Chimbonda applauds (Photo credit should read CHRIS YOUNG/AFP via Getty Images)

The now 43-year-old defender said: “In France I have no recognition but here in England they respect. People greet me, respect me and come over to me asking for autographs.

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“It makes me feel good and I really feel the love from the people who love the game.

“I liked being in the national team and in France they always said that I was a surprise for the 2006 World Cup and that I did not deserve my call up.

French defender Pascal Chimbonda (R) pulls on the jersey of French forward Thierry Henry (C) to celebrate after Henry scored against Brazil at the 2006 World Cup. Credit: JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP via Getty ImagesFrench defender Pascal Chimbonda (R) pulls on the jersey of French forward Thierry Henry (C) to celebrate after Henry scored against Brazil at the 2006 World Cup. Credit: JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP via Getty Images
French defender Pascal Chimbonda (R) pulls on the jersey of French forward Thierry Henry (C) to celebrate after Henry scored against Brazil at the 2006 World Cup. Credit: JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP via Getty Images

“I just want to say that I am not surprised and I did not ask the manager to call me, I was voted the best right back in the Premier League. Why do people despise me?

“I don’t know but prior to the world Cup in 2006 Thierry Henry called me and said the manager wants to reach. Can I give him your number?

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“Raymond Domenech was the manager and he asked me for my plans for the vacation and told me to kindly delay it for a while as he would make some changes to the team and I could be in.

French midfielder Zinedine Zidane shares a laugh with Pascal Chimbonda (R) during a training session on the eve of the World Cup 2006 final Italy vs. France. Credit: JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP via Getty ImagesFrench midfielder Zinedine Zidane shares a laugh with Pascal Chimbonda (R) during a training session on the eve of the World Cup 2006 final Italy vs. France. Credit: JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP via Getty Images
French midfielder Zinedine Zidane shares a laugh with Pascal Chimbonda (R) during a training session on the eve of the World Cup 2006 final Italy vs. France. Credit: JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP via Getty Images

“I think I deserved my chance with the French team and I lived my dream but here in England I still feel the love.”

Now a retired footballer, Chimbonda splits his time between France and England.

When in England, he is mostly in Manchester where he’s established his PC39 Academy.

The PC39 Academy offers a full-time football and education course for students aged 19 and over, working towards a Higher Nationals Certificate (HNC) in Sports and Exercise Science.