Opinions differ on the speech of the Belgian player, Jeremy Doku, who revealed that he will leave the team in the World Cup as his first born’s birthday is approaching.
Doku (24), who plays for Manchester City in the English Premier League, is one of the trusted players in the Belgian national team that has failed to win the World Cup in recent years. Belgium has never won in this ongoing competition in Mexico, Canada and the United States of America (USA) which spans 48 countries. In the opening game, in which Doku played, they drew 1-1 with Egypt, and came away with a point against Iran in a 0-0 draw on Sunday. Despite having a number of high-quality players, Belgium is in danger of early exit from the World Cup. It needs to win the final Group G game against New Zealand on Saturday morning.
Doku did not play when Belgium faced Iran, a game that followed his statement that he will leave the World Cup if his team goes far as his child will be born in the second week of July. His speech led to him being criticized as there are those who believe that he is putting his family first before the national team that needs him in this tournament which is watched by millions around the world.
The French journalist, France Pierron, has been suspended from his job following his criticism of Doku for his decision, which he said was disgusting. Pierron died yesterday after apologizing.
However, others, especially the players, expressed their understanding of Doku’s situation.
England player, Ollie Watkins said: “Let’s start by saying that it’s disgusting is not how you can describe the birth of a child. It happens once the birth of your first child. Welcoming it into the world is a blessing and you don’t get another chance.”
The player who plays for Aston Villa in the Premier League, continued: “You are away from your family most of the time during the season and it is a very difficult time. So missing this will be difficult.”