Jemmali just in time for Tunisia

[Hank]

Loyalty and integrity are the qualities that have marked out the career of David Jemmali. At 31, he has only ever played for two clubs – Cannes and Bordeaux – and, with the latter of those, he has just completed his ninth full season.
Though born in Toulouse, the talented utility man has also remained fiercely proud of his Tunisian roots, although it was only this year that he has he finally suc***bed to Roger Lemerre's attempts to woo him into the national fold. As it is, having finished the French Ligue 1 season in second place with Bordeaux and been voted the best right-sided midfielder in the country by his peers, Jemmali told FIFAworldcup.com that he believes his elevation to international football has been timed to perfection.

FIFAworldcup.com: David, you are now 31, and you finally agreed to join the Tunisia squad at the start of the year. What has inspired you to make this decision now when your country has been waiting with outstretched arms for years?
David Jemmali: I go by my instincts and I just didn't feel ready before. Roger Lemerre had already been in touch after his appointment in 2004 but it still didn't feel like the right time. He called me again just before this year's African Nations Cup to say he wanted me for the World Cup, and this time I told him I would play. I feel more comfortable where I am now and I think I am finally ready for my first World Cup.

You played your first game for Tunisia in a friendly against Serbia and Montenegro in March. How did you find that experience?
I was in a positive state of mind. Of course there were a few butterflies, as the whole set-up was new to me and I only knew a few of the players. But everyone made me feel very welcome and I have fond memories of those four days.

Even though the match ended in a 1-0 defeat for your team?
True, but the result didn't matter much. The important thingwas those four days together as a team in preparation for the real thing this summer. We learned about each other and about ourselves, which is vital for team building.

You have played a lot of games this season with Bordeaux (33 in the league alone). How are you feeling, both physically and mentally?
We knew for a long time that Lyon had won the league and that we had guaranteed our Champions League place, so we have been able to relax a little in some of our games. The coach has never been afraid to rotate his squad and that has given me a break when needed, so I feel in good shape.

How did it feel to be voted the best right-sided midfielder in the French league by your peers?
After 11 years as a professional player it is a great feeling finally to be recognised, and I can tell myself now that all the hard work has not been in vain. It's an even greater honour that this accolade has come from the players themselves. But it doesn't stop here, and I am determined not to rest on my laurels.

This season your coach, Ricardo Gomes, has occasionally used you as a makeshift central defender. Do you think your versatility will open new doors for you in the national team?
It's fair to say I have discussed this with Roger Lemerre, and he told me his plan was to play me in central defence. But that does not guarantee my selection. There are other big names such as Karim Saidi and Radhi Jaidi competing for those positions, so I am not expecting to walk into the team.

Unfortunately, in your preferred position, Tunisia have the team's captain, Hatem Trabelsi. How do you view him as a player?
Like everyone else, I have been very impressed by his performances in the Champions League with Ajax. He is a good defender and superb at counterattacking. Tunisia are very fortunate to have him.

Tunisia have a reputation for attractive and attacking football. Are you proud to be involved with this current team?
I have to say that I was impressed by the quality of the T