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Exclusive: Mathieu Debuchy ‘To Leave Newcastle’ Interview – The True Translation

Earlier today we reported on the story dominating the headlines, claims that an interview in France with Mathieu Debuchy showed the player wasn’t loyal to Newcastle and that when asked about next season, had refused to commit himself.

The quote that was being used everywhere was along these lines;

“PSG? I am here (Newcastle) until the end of the season – and for next year? I do not know’”

Well it was actually a radio interview in France with RMC that the ‘quote’ has been taken from. We’ve looked and found it impossible to find where the written quote, supposedly taken from the radio interview, was first used. Not that the media as a whole care, they have simply repeated it without caring what the truth may be and a loose ‘from French media reports’ etc etc.

We asked our top translator Pierre to investigate and no prizes for guessing that the actual TRUTH is somewhat different to what everybody has reported.

Over to Pierre;

The whole programme is about interviewing prospective players for the French team going to Brazil.

Debuchy spoke at length of hoping to go to Brazil, making the French team, representing his country. His memories of favourite world cup etc. etc. but the small bit that has been plucked out to make headlines (and money!) in England…here is the true translation of what Debuchy said;

Q “You are staying over there, you are not moving?

Debuchy “No (I’m not moving), yeah I am here (Newcastle)”

Q ”What about next year, you might join him (Cabaye at PSG), you never know?”

Debuchy “No it’s not that” (the translation is NOT “I do not know”!!!)

Then the interviewer explains that it’s important for him to play well and perform to make the French team, to which Debuchy replies, “We have a very important end of season to come” and when asked who is he playing next…Debuchy, “We are playing Aston Villa this Sunday.”

Hmmm, I wonder why the correct translation wasn’t used, it couldn’t possibly be because Debuchy not hinting at leaving isn’t a sexy (sellable) story, could it….?