The public intervention by Max Gradel on February 13, 2024, which took place in front of the President at a ceremony dedicated to the national team, stirred a wave of emotions among Ivorian supporters. Following the mixed reaction from his fans, Gradel took the initiative to speak out on Facebook that very evening to calm the situation.
During a prestigious event at the Presidential Palace in Plateau on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, President Alassane Ouattara honored the Ivorian national football team, the Elephants, following their remarkable victory in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. This reception was organized as a token of appreciation for their incredible performance that earned them their third continental crown. The team, consisting of players, coaches, and officials of the Ivorian Football Federation, was awarded national honors of Commander, Officer, and Knight. In addition, President Ouattara rewarded each member with cash prizes and generously offered houses to the players, testifying to the nation’s gratitude for their sporting achievement.
Before the award ceremony, Max-Alain Gradel, captain of the Ivorian selection, delivered a speech to express his gratitude towards President Ouattara, paying tribute to the unwavering support of the latter towards the national team. Unfortunately, part of his speech stating: “The strongest and most difficult thing we learned was that we were alone facing our destiny. We were caught between the shock of defeat and the anger of our supporters. Apart from our families, everyone had turned their back on us. No one sought to meet us, call us or even ask how we were,” shocked many internet users. They found it inappropriate for these words to sound like an insult to the Ivorian people.
Having heard about the discontent of the internet users, Max-Alain Gradel quickly tried to set the record straight. He made a post on his Facebook page on the evening of Tuesday, February 13, 2024. He expressed his gratitude towards the Ivorian supporters.
“Now that I’ve settled down, I’ve decided to address you. To all Mazo supporters. I read in one of the comments the quote: ‘Who loves well, punishes well’ (with a smile). Really, we felt your punishment during this CAN. It was measured. But it was fair game. Because we also felt all your love during this competition. Your visit to the hotel after the match with Morocco really touched us. In the stadiums, your chants in chorus, in unison, were just magical. You gave us the desire, you gave us the strength. So I want, on behalf of my teammates, to say THANK YOU. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to all of you: Supporters, Artists, Influencers, Journalists, Religious leaders, Women, Grandpas, Grandmas, Kids. A special nod to the Ivorian-Lebanese communities, Moroccans, and foreigners living in Ivory Coast who also pushed us,” he wrote.
The two-star champion continued, adding: “All of you gave true meaning to the idea of the 12th man. So much so, that you even compensated for our numerical inferiority against Mali in Bouaké. Unforgettable. Ivorian supporters, you’re the best. We can’t thank you enough. We will never forget all the love you showed us. May God bless you abundantly. May He bless you for every prayer you have said for us. May He bless you for every cry, every song that you have sung to encourage us to move forward. This cup is for all Ivorians. These medals that we have are yours too.”
To conclude, he gave a shout-out to his teammates, and also to the coach. “I have a special thought for Coach Faé. He always knew how to find the right words to re-mobilize us. In the locker room, he performed a job that was as much technical as it was psychological. We all know that this victory has a special taste for you. You had to end your playing career because of health issues, and now to come and win the CAN as a coach. It’s a blessing that God has given you. And it was also a blessing for us in the locker room and even on the field. To Guy DEMEL also, big up to you. To all other members of the technical staff…
Not forgetting all our departed including supporters, and our late Cheick Tioté (winner of the CAN 2015), Sidy Diallo (former president of the FIF) and Mamadou Keita (former general manager of the selection. May God bless our beautiful and dear country,” he concluded.
