Pure joy.
This was the only possible emotion for Laurent Ciman when, on Sunday morning, a delegate from the Belgium national team phoned him with big news: called up by head coach Marc Wilmots, Ciman – who always says that his country is his first priority – will leave for Switzerland on Monday to join the Belgian group as it prepares for Euro 2016.
“It is a great source of pride for me to represent my country – and also for the Impact and for every Quebecer that has supported me,” Ciman said upon landing on his return from Orlando on Sunday afternoon. “I’ve achieved this thanks in part to them and to their support. I didn’t do this alone. My teammates helped me greatly as well. I want to thank everyone.”
In camp, Ciman’s objective will be to make his participation to the European Championship official. While he says he doesn’t know what the future holds, doubts remain over the Belgian defence: Vincent Kompany is out of contention due to injury, while Vermaelen, Lombaerts, Meuniers and co. all raise different questions in terms of fitness.
“The manager knows my strengths and weaknesses,” Ciman said. “I’ve worked with him for a long time. We had the opportunity to play a big tournament, a World Cup, together. He knows what I can bring to the group. He’ll make his selections, we’ll see, but it’s up to me to give everything in Switzerland to show him that I want to be part of the squad of 23.”
Ciman’s satisfaction is immense, all the more so given that certain analysts in Europe had assumed that his move to MLS blocked his path to the national team. But the Montreal general repeated his belief that the North American league is “underrated” and of a higher level than the Belgian top division.
The MLS Defender of the Year also insists that he will not be worried in the least for his Montreal teammates while he’s away.
“They know what they have to do,” Ciman said. “Last night, we lost because of details, but in terms of play, we were better than Orlando. They’ll keep working. Víctor Cabrera’s returning. Kyle Fisher is a fine young player. Wandrille Lefèvre is going to be here. It’ll be up to the coach to decide, but they’re here, and I’m not concerned for the team.
“As far as the supporters go, I’d like them to keep supporting the team as they have been,” he continued. “These are more difficult times, but they are the ones that will keep us going until the end.”
