The Lyon midfielder Yoann Gourcuff has said that he is extremely happy to be back in the international fold after being selected by the French national team manager Didier Deschamps for the friendly against Italy. France will be facing two friendly matches before the World Cup qualifying campaign begins in March. Due to the good form shown by the former AC Milan midfielder Yoann Gourcuff, he has now been selected for the first time since May. He has expressed his delight at being returning to the national team. The 26-year-old was once regarded as one of the best young talent in French football. However, he has not been able to fulfil his potential up until now.

He has just been showing good enough form with the French club Lyon to be able to warrant a call up according to the manager. Yoann Gourcuff has also suffered a serious knee injury last season, which prevented him from being called up for the national team duty. He has said that he did not expect to be called up for the international team so soon. Even though he is still not 100% fit yet, he is hoping to have a major say in the match against Italy.

“I was not really expecting to be selected so soon, I have been focused on recovering well and regaining my fitness. I get slight pains from certain movements but nothing too worrying. I am not at 100 per cent but it is going well. I am just happy to be here and I will do my best to help my team-mates. The coach knows my qualities and it is up to him to see what I can bring to the team,” said the 26-year-old. France’s next friendly match will be against the Euro 2012 semifinalists Germany at home.