Luis Fernandez: I support the French team, but I also have a special feeling for Spain.

On July 13, before the start of the semi-final "France vs. Spain" match in this World Cup, French legend Louis Fernandez gave an interview to FIFA.

The French legend, born in Spain and raised in France, spoke about Tuesday's semi-final, Mbappe's leadership, and the strength of the Spanish midfield.

Luis Fernandez is one of the most iconic figures in French football over the past few decades. As a member of Michel Platini's golden generation, he helped France win the European Championship in 1984. After retiring, he embarked on a illustrious coaching career, managing clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Athletic Bilbao, Espanyol, Real Betis, and the Israeli national team.

Fernandez was born in southern Spain but grew up in France. Now 66, he maintains close ties with both countries, giving him a unique perspective on the upcoming clash between two European powerhouses.

Considering you were born in Spain but grew up in France, how do you view this semi-final?

Luis Fernández: I was born in Spain, but after my father passed away, I moved to France with my mother, siblings, and other family members when I was five years old. France gave us a warm welcome and provided us with opportunities to grow, work, and build our lives.

I have always said that I consider myself French first and foremost because I have represented the French national team and hold French citizenship.

But Spain will always hold a place in my heart because my family is there. We often go back to Tarifa, and I feel incredibly proud every time.

Besides France, Spain is my favorite country to visit.

How would you rate the French team's performance in the World Cup so far?

Luis Fernandez: The French team was really enjoyable. They played at a very high level and did a very good job.

With Kylian Mbappé, they have a captain who is willing to give everything for the team, setting an example through his performance.

Players like Ousmane Dembélé, Barcolá, and other attacking players also played excellent football.

France's midfield and defense are also very solid.

I believe the French team has everything it needs to win the World Cup.

Have you ever seen a French team with such strong attacking potential as they are now?

Luis Fernandez: France has always been able to produce very good strikers.

In Zidane's era, we had Yuri Djorkaeff; later we had Griezmann, Giroud, and Mbappe.

The French team has always had players who can change the game and help the team win the European Championship or the World Cup.

Now, they have four or five players in the frontcourt who are capable of creating miracles, and they are demonstrating extraordinary ability and a very high level of skill.

How would you rate Didier Deschamps' performance as manager of the French national team?

Luis Fernandez: I greatly admire Didier Deschamps.

We played for the French national team together, and I've always liked his personality.

He sometimes receives criticism, but I've never been able to understand those voices.

Whether at Monaco, Juventus, Marseille, or the French national team, he has proven himself to be a great coach.

Especially with the French team, he won the World Cup and led the team to the World Cup final again.

He built a very strong team.

I really like Deschamps, and I hope that if he wins this World Cup, I will have the opportunity to congratulate him in person.

What do you think are the differences between French and Spanish football?

Luis Fernandez: I have always had a special feeling for Spain.

I love Spanish football, especially their tradition in the midfield position.

I also greatly admire the work done by Luis de la Fuente, as he built a top team and helped Spain become European champions two years ago.

Spain has always had a very distinctive style of football, with players like Busquets, Xavi, and Iniesta in the past.

They possess the talent and potential to play highly entertaining football.

I support France winning the World Cup, but I would also be happy for Spain if they eliminated France and ultimately won the title.

In addition, I also really enjoyed watching the England team's performance in this tournament.

Why is Spain's midfield so special?

Luis Fernandez: I often think of Johan Cruyff and how he developed Guardiola into a deep-lying playmaker.

Then came Busquets, and now it's Rodri.

I have always admired this type of player because they possess excellent technique, the ability to control the pace of the game, and the ability to control possession of the ball.

Both Spain and France have extremely talented midfielders.

What do you hope to see in this semi-final?

Luis Fernandez: I hope that after the game, I can feel that I have witnessed a great football feast.

I hope that both sides can present high-quality, entertaining football based on mutual respect.

Hopefully, this will be an open and exciting match, with both sides creating numerous opportunities and many amazing moments that will leave a lasting impression on the fans.

How do you compare the current form of Mbappe and Yamar?

Luis Fernandez: As it stands, I think Mbappe has the advantage.

He was in excellent form and full of confidence, demonstrating true leadership qualities in both his performance in the game and his efforts for his teammates.

Yamar is still in the process of recovering to his best form, and I think he has even more potential to show.

In contrast, Mbappe is at his peak and now has the opportunity to lead France to another world championship.

After two challenging seasons at Real Madrid, this tournament could be the starting point for a new chapter for him, culminating in a major trophy.