Younes Kaboul: “This is the story Hugo has been destined for...”

For Younes Kaboul, it’s written in the stars for his great friend Hugo Lloris. It’s his destiny, and destiny is calling this week.

Team-mates going back to playing together for France Under-16s almost 20 years ago, including, of course, a spell at Spurs together from 2012-2015, there won’t be a prouder Frenchman than Younes when Hugo becomes Les Bleus most-capped player on Saturday night.

And what a stage to do it, a World Cup quarter-final against England, where France captain Hugo will shake hands with another great friend and team-mate, Three Lions’ skipper Harry Kane, before the old international rivals do battle at the Al-Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar.

Assuming he starts, Hugo will click onto 143 caps for his country, going back to his first cap against Uruguay in November, 2008. Ten years later, he lived every footballer’s dream by lifting the World Cup trophy after France’s 4-2 win against Croatia in the final in Russia.

Now 35 and as consistent as ever - he’s on a run of 101 consecutive starts for us in the Premier League, stretching back to March, 2020 - Hugo is back on the path that could lead to all-time greatness, if France defend their trophy, he will become the first and only captain to lift two World Cups.

Still based in England after retiring following a stint at Watford, Younes told us: “It’s simple, the story for Hugo is that he’s been destined for this. I’ve known him since the age of 16 and he just kept going up and up and up.

“We first met at 16 for the France national team, Under-16, 17, 18, 19, when we won the European Championship against England in the final (in 2005). He’s a very close friend, and I’ve so much respect for him. I’ve known him for 20 years now and I’ll tell you now, the sky is the limit for him, even if he is 35 years old.

“That won’t stop him leading the team to, hopefully, another trophy. He’s a very well-respected player, all the players look up to him and basically, he is the voice of Spurs and the France national team. He is one of the most-capped players for France, soon to be the most-capped, and they are lucky to have him.

“He’s a legend of France and Tottenham. He’s had success, he’s been consistent, and he’s made his mark on French football, forever.

“I hope he will play as long as he can and continue to be recognised as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He looks after himself, he’s performing and he’s playing every game. I’m sure he wants more. I don’t think he’s looking to retire any time soon!”

Hugo special - 10 years at Spurs