Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise reveals childhood heroes

Rejecting the chance to play for England, Algeria, and Nigeria, Michael Olise (22) has opted to represent France at international level. The former Crystal Palace playmaker has repeatedly insisted that, despite the chance to represent three other nations, he has always had his sights set on playing for Les Bleus.

That dream was realised earlier this summer when he represented France at the Olympic Games in Paris, as Thierry Henry’s side won the silver medal. The form shown during that tournament, likely coupled with a big-money move to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich over the summer, saw him receive a first call-up to the senior squad.

Having been called up by Didier Deschamps for the first time, Olise didn’t have to wait long to make his competitive debut, starting in Les Bleus’ 3-1 defeat to Italy in the UEFA Nations League on Friday. He has now revealed that a France legend was one of his childhood icons. “My childhood idols? Neymar, [Zinédine] Zidane, and [Lionel] Messi,” Olise told Téléfoot.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle