Manu Koné has expressed his disappointment following France’s fourth-place finish at the recent World Cup, posting a message on social media acknowledging the pain felt by supporters.
The Atalanta midfielder stated he was “eternally grateful” for the opportunity to represent his country at the tournament, despite the unsuccessful outcome.
Koné’s message also included gratitude towards coach Didier Deschamps and his staff, who are stepping down from their roles, expressing regret that the team could not deliver a celebratory send-off.
Having featured prominently for France during the World Cup campaign, Koné is now taking a period of rest before returning to training with Atalanta under coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
However, his performances in Qatar have reportedly attracted renewed interest from clubs in the English Premier League, according to reports in Italy.
Koné joined Atalanta in 2019 from Ligue 2 side Toulouse, quickly establishing himself as a key player in midfield with his energetic displays and tackling ability.
He has become a regular in the Atalanta starting eleven, contributing to their consistent challenge for European qualification in Serie A.
While no concrete offers have been made public, several Premier League clubs have been linked with a move for the 24-year-old, potentially testing Atalanta’s resolve to keep him.
Koné’s versatility, capable of playing in multiple midfield positions, makes him an attractive prospect for teams looking to strengthen their options in that area.
Atalanta are known for their shrewd transfer dealings, often developing players before selling them on for significant profits, and may be open to offers if they deem them suitable.
Koné’s future at the club remains uncertain as the January transfer window approaches, with potential suitors likely to monitor his performances closely in the coming months.
His recent World Cup experience will undoubtedly have raised his profile and could accelerate any potential move away from Serie A.
