Speaking in an exclusive interview with Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie has explained his unique goal celebrations.
The 26-year-old is known to celebrate each of his goals by raising his hand to his head to form a salute. It had become a common sight in Italy in the past few years when he was at AC Milan.
While Barcelona fans have not been treated to the celebration as frequently, the midfielder has pulled it out for each of his two goals in the ongoing campaign in the Blaugrana colours.
Discussing the military salute celebrations, Kessie revealed that it is a way for him to remember and pay tribute to his father who served in the military.
“It is a memory of my father. I do it because he was in the military and later, in the war, he died, and that’s why I do this salute,” Kessie revealed.
“I used to see him at home and when someone older than him arrived, he would give them this salute as a sign of respect for them, and that’s why this image stuck in my head”, he added.
Signed from AC Milan as a free agent last summer, Kessie has not had it easy in his debut season at Barcelona. The Ivory Coast international struggled for relevance in the first half of the season, although he has been growing in stature in recent weeks.
The midfielder was one of Barcelona’s most impressive performers last week as they defeated Real Madrid 1-0 in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg.
Kessie’s future at Barcelona has been a subject of speculation even though he has been at the club for less than a year. However, with the midfielder gaining prominence at Camp Nou of late, a summer exit might no longer be on the cards, although Xavi will have the final say.
