Guest of the Kampo podcast, Andy Delort looked back with emotion on one of the most memorable moments of his career: the celebration of Algeria’s victory at the 2019 African Cup of Nations. More than the trophy itself, it was the incredible popular fervor that deeply marked the attacker.
The player describes a totally unusual, almost unreal atmosphere. « Everyone was talking about it, but when I experienced it… »he confides, still impressed. At the heart of the crowd, Delort recounts scenes as spectacular as they are unexpected. He notably mentions supporters ready to do anything to celebrate their heroes: « We were under a fairly high bridge, someone jumped on the bus ». A scene which alone sums up the intensity of this communion between the people and their team.
But that’s not all. The Algerian international especially emphasizes the diversity and energy of the supporters. « I saw 75 year old ladies running barefoot, they went faster than me », he says in amazement. A strong image which perfectly illustrates the unity and passion which invaded the streets of Algiers that day.
Some scenes even bordered on chaos. Delort remembers a fan suspended after walking through a broken bus shelter, still continuing to celebrate the victory. « He was upside down, but he still celebrated
», he explains, torn between amusement and disbelief.
One of the most vivid memories, however, remains that of a father trying to throw his baby towards the players’ bus for them to carry. «
He was trying to send us the little one… we told him no »says Delort, still shocked by the scene. A moment that is both surreal and revealing of the unconditional love of the supporters.
Through these anecdotes, Andy Delort highlights much more than a simple celebration: a true demonstration of popular passion. CAN 2019 will thus remain engraved not only in the history of Algerian football, but also in memories as a rare and intense moment of national unity.
DZfoot
