Liverpool defender Konate spoke in an interview about his relationship with money and luxury goods, and how his family helps him stay grounded.
You once mentioned that it is easy to lose yourself in the football circle?
I readily admit, "It is easy for the mind to lose itself in this circle."
What role does your family play in helping you stay grounded? Can you share some stories from early in your career?
In 2017, when I first arrived in Leipzig at the age of 18, I started making money. But I was very afraid of my brothers’ opinions, so I didn’t spend any money on enjoyment or personal consumption. I kept doing this until one of the brothers finally said to me: 'But Konate, you have to treat yourself! ’ This sentence is like a switch.
Well, after that, I went a little too far. One day I returned to my neighborhood in Paris. I was wearing a luxury brand of tracksuit and hanging out with my friends in front of little kids. When I got home, one of my brothers said to me: ‘Konate, everyone only sees you, but that’s not you. You don't need those things. When you come back, try to be the same as those around you. ’ My brothers were always there to guide me back on track.
Can you talk about your growing experience?
I grew up in District 15, and later in District 11. Despite my brothers' urging, there was a time when I preferred playing Frisbee at street courts. After that, my love for football gradually grew. I first signed for the Paris University Club and then joined Paris FC when I was 10 years old. Although the rest of my career was written in Sochaux, Leipzig and eventually Liverpool, I have always maintained a strong connection with the Paris area and I go back to visit family and friends whenever I can.