Flashscore: How have you been since coming back to Clairefontaine?
Cascarino: "I'm doing really well. I'm so happy to be back. I'm just trying to make the most of it."
We saw you arrive wearing a custom jacket with different blue jerseys on it. Was it important for you to mark the occasion of your return?
"I wanted to make a statement and give a little nod to the national team for my return. I thought it was cool; plus, I like fashion, so it was fun."
You said in an interview with West Ham that this return felt like your first call-up. Is it a special feeling?
"Yes, it’s special because after my injury, getting back into the national team was a big goal for me. It feels like a comeback, but also a new beginning."
How did you feel seeing the Clairefontaine castle again?
"I was emotional because it felt like a real achievement. When you suffer a serious injury, you immediately wonder if you’ll ever play again or get back to the national team. Coming back a little over a year later, I’d reached my goal. Even though it’s just the beginning, it felt like coming full circle."
What was your reaction when you heard coach Laurent Bonadei call your name in the squad list?
"Honestly, I didn’t actually hear it because I didn’t watch the press conference. I was at training and even forgot about the one-hour time difference in England. I only saw the messages on my social media afterwards; I was so happy. My family actually found out before I did! I called my family, my sister, everyone, and we were all thrilled."
Did you expect it at all?
"I’d been in touch with the coach throughout my injury, we never lost contact. But at that moment, not really. I knew I was playing regularly, so it was possible, but I hadn’t received any calls or anything."
'You realise you’re capable of so much when football stops'
You suffered a serious knee injury on December 3rd, 2024, against Spain in Nice. Do you often think back to that moment?
"Honestly, no. The most traumatic part isn’t the injury itself, it’s the whole long process: pre-op, waiting, the news after the MRI... Even though deep down I knew it was my ACL, getting the confirmation and then having surgery - it’s the whole process that’s tough, more than the injury itself."
People say injuries are part of football, but is it hard to deal with in the long run?
"You have to accept it. My twin sister has had two ACL injuries, so I knew a bit about the steps from her experience, but you have to go through it yourself to really understand. The sooner you accept it, the better; I think that’s part of healing."
Did the fact that your sister went through it help you?
"Just seeing her come back each time at a really high level reassured me. I got her advice throughout my rehab, which gave me an advantage."
What did you do outside of rehab during your year away?
"I tried out new things. I did some TV work with TF1, a conference with my mental coaches, and tried to develop my image. These are things I didn’t do before. Usually, we’re so focused on football, but this gave me a chance to learn more about myself."
Was the design of your custom jacket also something that came out of your rehab?
"Yes, it was an idea I had during rehab. I messaged a designer I followed on social media. It was more about connecting with people, and it was cool."
Aitana Bonmati said after her injury that she almost needed that time to mentally disconnect. Did you feel the same?
"I wouldn’t say I needed it - I would have preferred to keep playing. But it was a blessing in disguise: you see your loved ones and grow as a person. You ask yourself, 'Who am I beyond being a footballer?'
"You come out of these experiences stronger because you realise you’re capable of so much when football stops."
Does it also give you a break from the packed schedule you internationals have?
"Exactly, it lets you focus on other things, see people you don’t usually see, and go to everyday events like weddings or birthdays."
People often say injuries make you stronger - do you feel you’ve come back stronger?
"Yes, you become aware of a lot of things. Before, I was only focused on football, but now I realise there’s more to life, and when football stops, there’s something else. I think you come back stronger, thanks to all the new experiences.
"Mentally, I’m definitely stronger. I feel different. I think I’ve matured. On the pitch, I’m already back to my level, and I’m lucky to be playing regularly, which helps me get my rhythm back. But my short-term goal is to come back even better."
"I preferred to ask for a loan so I could get back into rhythm"
Because of your injury, you experienced the Euros from the sidelines as a consultant for TF1. Was it still enjoyable?
"Honestly, yes. It was very stressful because I’m not used to it and I’m not super comfortable in front of the camera, but it was a challenge I wanted to take on. I’m really glad I did it."
Wasn’t it frustrating not to be at the Euros?
"Honestly, no, because I’d known for months already. As soon as you get injured, you know you won’t be at the Euros. So I’d had time to process it. Plus, I was finishing my rehab at that point, so things were moving forward. There was a bit of frustration, but not much more than that."
When you came back from injury at Juventus, you were more or less a starter and played a lot at left-back, which isn’t really your usual position…
"It was a different position from before my injury. It was a bit tough to adapt to a new role after coming back, but the important thing was to play and make the most of the minutes I was given."
Why did you decide to go to West Ham?
"Simply because I wasn’t playing as much as I wanted, and after an injury like that, it’s important to play regularly to quickly get your rhythm back. I was frustrated - sometimes I’d play a bit, then go two or three weeks without playing… It was tough, so I preferred to ask for a loan to get more game time."
Was it also because you wanted to play in central defence?
"At West Ham, we play with three at the back, which is a position I really enjoy. But the main reason was to get regular minutes."
Did you discuss it with Laurent Bonadei?
"No, it was my own decision. But I think it’s good for the coach too if it helps me play more."
Have you got all your sensations back?
"Yes, playing regularly now… I can see that’s what I was missing. I really don’t regret my choice."
'I hope next time we can both be there together'
Your sister Delphine joined you in London soon after. Was that planned?
"It wasn’t planned at first, but I admit it’s a bonus. I was the one who chose to go there first."
In the national team, you’re here, and she’s not. Aren’t you tired of this back-and-forth?
"Yes, we talk about it, it’s annoying! There’s always something that means we’re not there at the same time. Right now, she has a minor calf injury. I hope next time we can both be there together. Before, the national team was when we could see each other if we were both called up. But now, at least we can see each other in London."
With Griedge Mbock out, do you feel there’s a spot to be won in central defence?
"First, I just hope to get some playing time. My goal is to enjoy myself and be ready. If I’m called on, I’ll give everything, simple as that. I’m not overthinking it. I’m just trying to enjoy the moment."
What do you think of the squad? It’s changed a lot since 2024.
"The squad is a lot younger now. I’m one of the veterans, which feels a bit strange! But it’s great, it brings energy and freshness. I still know most of the players, and I feel at home, so no problem!"
We saw you were really happy to see Pauline Peyraud-Magnin again, who also left Juventus this winter.
"Yes, we went from seeing each other every day to not at all. We’re really close, so it’s great to see her here. It’s such a pleasure to have her in the national team, especially now that we’re not at the same club anymore."
Is it hard for French players to settle in at Juve?
"Honestly, no. Pauline stayed for five years. I’m still under contract for another year, and I’ve been there two and a half years. I have no regrets at all, I’ve had a great time at Juve. There’s a strong connection between Juve and French players, both men and women. For Maelle (Garbino) and Ella (Palis), who left recently, it was just a sporting decision.
"Of course, Popo (Pauline Peyraud-Magnin’s nickname) left after five years because it was her dream to play in the US, and I went out on loan. But there’s absolutely no problem with Juve."
'We need to qualify as quickly as possible'
There’s no major international tournament with Les Bleues this summer. Is it nice to have time to work?
"It’ll be good to recharge and recover. Last season, I was injured, but I still had rehab, so I didn’t get much of a break either. We’re not used to it, with tournaments every summer in recent years. You need to take a break to come back stronger, especially with the World Cup in a year and a half.
"And we’ll definitely have more time to work. We’ll be able to take our time, including working on our chemistry. I think it’s a good thing."
What are the goals for the matches against Poland and Ireland?
"The goals are clear: win both matches and qualify for the World Cup as soon as possible."
And your personal ambitions?
"That’s not up to me. I’ll give my all in training and it’ll be up to the coach to make the decisions."
Follow France on their World Cup qualification journey with Flashscore.