Malo Gusto took little time to win over French team-mate Kylian Mbappe as he performed his initiation song following his first call-up to the national team.
Chelsea full back Gusto was brought into the squad as a late replacement alongside RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba after injuries to Jules Kounde and Axel Disasi.
It is tradition for national team players to sing a song after being called up to the squad for the first time, and Gusto showed no signs of stage fright as he stood on a table and sang Desole by hip hop band Sexion D’Assaut.
The single was a major hit in France in 2010, spending seven weeks at the top of the charts, and all of Gusto’s team-mates appeared to know it well as they joined in the chorus.
Mbappe led the way, with the team all sat around the table and giggling as the noise in the room got louder and louder.
Malo Gusto (standing) performed his initiation song after receiving his first France call-up
Kylian Mbappe joined in along with his team-mates, and clearly enjoyed Gusto’s performance
Chelsea’s Malo Gusto & RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba performed their France senior team initiations last night. pic.twitter.com/2Uo8N1f5vB
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) October 10, 2023
Gusto received a big ovation from the squad, with some players bursting into laughter after he finished the popular song.
The 20-year-old has earned the approval of Mbappe off the pitch, and will now be aiming to play alongside him on it this week.
France face the Netherlands on Friday in a Euro 2024 qualifier before taking on Scotland in a friendly four days later.
Didier Deschamps’ team are on the brink of qualifying for next summer’s tournament after winning all five of their qualifying fixtures to date.
Gusto is in contention to make his debut as he looks to continue his rise after joining Chelsea in the summer.
Following an injury to captain Reece James, Gusto has made six league appearances for the Blues already, although he is currently suspended after being sent off against Aston Villa last month.
He has still shown enough to catch Deschamps’ eye, though, having registered two assists and helped his side keep two clean sheets in the top flight, which has seen him edge closer to international honours.