1998 World Cup winner Christian Karembeu -- who arrived as a FIFA delegate in Bangladesh as part of the World Cup trophy tour on Wednesday -- may have stayed only around 36 hours but the Frenchman seemed to have maximised his experience here.

From the hospitality received during his brief visit to Bangladesh to the nature of the football fan base in the country, Karembeu shared his experience and perceptions to the media on Thursday evening during a press conference held at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka.

Below are the excerpts of Karembeu's candid reply to some of the questions asked during the event:

On the passion of fans here despite Bangladesh not playing World Cup

"I need to say that when I came to the country and touched the soil, it was very, very hot. But I was very surprised that people could come [to see the trophy] like this," said Karembeu, who has 53 international caps for France.  

"I had the time to visit the honourable President and the honourable Prime Minister. They shared with me some conversations and they really explained to me how fans here are crazy about it [football] and how they behave or become when there is a tournament like the World Cup.

"Because as I said, there are many Brazil fans and many Argentina fans and they do have their own colours and have their own shirts. This is unique and this is how we are in football. Diversity."     

Karembeu talks to the media in Dhaka on June 09, 2022. Photo: Collected

Frontrunner to win the 2022 World Cup

"The favourites are always the same, I think. Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Spain, England and, of course, France. My top favourite? France, of course."

Does Brazil have a better chance of winning the World Cup than Argentina?

 "I can't say too much because half of your country are Brazil and half are Argentina fans. The third [favourite] is what?" 

When a journalist replied that it was either England or Germany, Karembeu jokingly said, "No France? Then I need to go."  

"Maybe when we come back in four years' time, we are going to see Bangladesh divide into France and Brazil (laughs)."  

On the defending champions' biggest threat

"As we [France] are favourites, every team will be our first opponents. So we need to be careful," said the FIFA legend.  

On the purpose of trophy tour

"We are here just to share the experience with you with the FIFA trophy. Each federation has the right to host it, has the right to give the opportunity to the fans of each country to be close and to have the pictures. And, of course, be inspired by this trophy because this trophy has a lot of story and spirit.

"It [World Cup trophy] symbolises for me the joy, the triumph, the togetherness and this is the value of our sport and we need to respect that."  

First memory of holding the World Cup trophy

"This trophy, I didn't touch it. I kissed it (laughs). Nobody expected France to win this trophy. But the spirit of the team guided us to go to the end of the tournament. We were one. We were together, united. And this became our energy, our spirit," said the integral part of the French midfield during the 1998 World Cup, also a two-time Champions League winner for Real Madrid in the late 90s.

Christian Karembeu tackles Brazil great Ronaldo during the final of the FIFA World Cup in 1998. Photo: Collected

"When I was a kid, I was watching TV but I never thought one day I could touch it or share this experience with you because if I didn't win this trophy I wouldn't be able to with you."

On Bangladeshi hospitality

"Before coming here [for the press conference], I went to eat some litchies and mangoes and other dishes because, you know, with people I want to discover the food and parts of your culture. It's just extraordinary to be here and experience all that.

"I would like to thank the people who received us. I would like to come back here in 2026. Yes, indeed, I had a great experience. The hospitality was incredible so far. Thank you."