Real Madrid midfield mainstay admits he played through injury at World Cup: ‘I paid the price afterwards’

Real Madrid midfield mainstay admits he played through injury at World Cup: ‘I paid the price afterwards’ Aurelien Tchouameni has opened up about the physical problems he carried into the World Cup, revealing that he took significant risks to remain available for France despite suffering from a thigh injury. Speaking to France 24 (h/t AS ), the Real Madrid midfielder explained that his decision to continue playing eventually affected his club season, with muscle problems ruling him out of Madrid’s opening matches. Tchouameni admits he played through pain Tchouameni revealed that his problems became increasingly difficult from the latter stages of the tournament, but the importance of the World Cup influenced his decision to continue. “From the third or fourth match onwards, and even a little before that, I was in pain. Obviously, it’s a World Cup, so we try to do everything we can to be as prepared as possible and perform to the best of our ability on the pitch. “I took risks that I might not have taken at another time, but I don’t regret anything. Players understand that, sometimes, circumstances demand that you give it your all. And that’s what I did. “I paid the price afterwards, but it’s part of my story and I have no regrets about it,” Tchouameni revealed. Tchouameni played the World Cup injured. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) The midfielder subsequently missed the beginning of the season with Real Madrid as he dealt with the consequences of those physical problems. Tchouameni admits he was not himself against Spain Speaking further, Tchouameni also reflected on France’s semi-final defeat to Spain, admitting that he was unable to produce his best performance. “No, obviously, that wasn’t the real Aurelien Tchouameni. But it’s not the first time this has happened, nor will it be the last. “There are many moments during a tournament when we speak to the medical and coaching staff; you have to do whatever it takes to be on the pitch, and that’s what I did,” he admitted. Tchouameni eyes France return as Zidane takes charge Despite his recent absence, Tchouameni remains determined to return to the France squad.  New manager Zidane opted against selecting him in his first squad, preferring the Real Madrid midfielder to remain in Spain and continue his recovery. Tchouameni is hopeful of returning to the national team under Zidane. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) Tchouameni believes his performances at club level will ultimately determine whether he earns another international call-up. “There’s a new manager here who’s doing a very good job, and any ambitious player aspires to play for the French national team.  “It’s like everything else in life: if you perform well, it will happen,” he added. Lastly, when asked about the Ballon d’Or race involving fellow Frenchmen Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembele alongside Michael Olise, Tchouameni avoided choosing a specific winner, stating, “Obviously, it has to go to a Frenchman,” he concluded.