The new "Barcelona" defender Jeremey Mathieu, who cost the Catalan club 20 million euros, stated that he doesn't promise to give up the habit of occasionally smoking a cigarette.
Mathieu, a 30-year-old Frenchman who spent the last five years at the "Valencia" club, does not meet the expectations of Barcelona fans for a newcomer in the defender position.
After this purchase, many "Barca" supporters criticized the club's decision to pay 20 million euros for a 30-year-old defender. This criticism was also fueled by the player's past, when Spanish journalists have captured the athlete smoking.
However, the Madrid-based Spanish newspaper "Marca" reported that Mathieu said he does not see his habit as a big deal.
"I don't smoke often, but I do it when I want. It's my personal matter. The most important thing is what happens on the field, don't forget that I definitely don't avoid running. I always want the best for my team," said Mathieu.
It is interesting to note that the "Barcelona" club started an anti-smoking campaign with the European Commission last year, and smoking is prohibited throughout the "Camp Nou" stadium.
The Spanish regional newspaper "Superdeporte" reported that Mathieu's former employer, the "Valencia" club, tried several times to help the Frenchman quit his harmful habit. This was even done with the help of the player's wife, but to no avail.
Recently, a scandal was caused by England's national team and London's "Arsenal" defender Jack Wilshere, who was caught smoking, getting involved in such a scandal for the second time.
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