Jérémy Doku says he will leave Belgium’s World Cup team to be present at the birth of his first child. He is being criticized for it. An example of football sometimes being taken too seriously.
Manchester City forward said before his team’s World Cup opener that he might travel home for the birth of his first child. The due date is early July, when the knockout phase is underway. Doku said: “If you ask me what I wish for, my answer is clear: No one wants to miss the birth of their first child.”
In Belgium, some critics spoke up: former national player Gert Verheyen commented that Doku would only be a spectator at the birth anyway. A former youth coach said that anyone who goes to a World Cup has decided to play.
Doku’s comments only became a media topic because of French journalist France Pierron. She asked: “You have the chance to take part in a World Cup. There are hundreds of footballers who would give anything to be in that position. It’s a unique moment, and you want to just give that up to be at the birth of your child?” Pierron was then sharply criticized, especially on social media. L’Équipe also distanced itself from her remarks.
The discussion about Doku is a good example of football sometimes being taken too seriously. Doku does not have to explain to anyone what decision he and his partner make. If he travels for the birth, that is legitimate. If he stays and plays, that is also his business.
Norwegian defender Leo Østigård watched the birth of his first child during the World Cup via Facetime. South Korea’s goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu traveled to his fourth – and likely last – World Cup even though his wife was due to give birth just days later. Doku will make his own decision. None of them will become worse footballers because of it.
Source: www.faz.net
