Michael Olise chooses France despite England and Bayern
In the Kampo podcast studio, hosted by Smaïl Bouabdellah, Thierry Henry recounts Michael Olise's decision to choose France. At 24, the winger, born in London to Nigerian and French‑Algerian parents, turned down England's call and prioritized the Paris 2024 Olympic Games despite his upcoming contract with Bayern Munich.
National choice and pressures
Michael Olise now establishes himself as one of the strong faces and one of the most dazzling talents of the French team. Beyond his impressive statistics with the Bleus, his unwavering attachment to the national side impresses. Born in London to a Nigerian father and a French‑Algerian mother, he had the luxury of choice among several national teams.
The England team courted him persistently to bring him into the senior squad for the European Championship. The Olympic tournament was not on FIFA's official calendar, so clubs had no obligation to release their players. Making Paris 2024 a priority while he was about to join Bayern Munich was therefore risky.
Determination and reward
Yet, the main person involved never wavered for a second. In his mind, the French team has always reigned above all.
Thierry Henry admits that Michael called him every day to go to the Olympics, while England wanted him for the European Championship with the senior side. He could have joined the Euro with England, but his desire to play for France was extraordinary.
Thierry Henry reveals Michael Olise's passion for the 2024 Olympics
Henry notes that he didn't convince anyone, highlighting Olise's exceptional determination. The former star striker of the Bleus calls Michael Olise a genius and reminds that the player has loved France since he was a child.
Some recruits didn't want to come, but a player of this caliber accepted despite the risk of conflict with his new club. Olise would have simply told his club that he was going to the Olympic Games, nothing more.
Henry expresses his huge respect for Olise. This winning gamble led the Bleuets to a home silver medal, further consolidating Olise's destiny with French football.
Henry hails Olise as a genius and stresses his elusive talent
Today, undeniable under the tricolour jersey, Olise's creative genius continues to impress Thierry Henry. Henry adds that Michael thinks differently, that geniuses don't understand each other, and that he prefers him on the pitch.