Prem ace mysteriously arrives to international duty with face fully covered

LIVERPOOL star Ibrahima Konate has turned heads after mysteriously hiding his identity with an eccentric fashion statement.

Konate arrived at France’s Clairefontaine base to join up with his team-mates ahead of their upcoming Nations League matches.

Ibrahima Konate wore a green mask while reporting for France dutyCredit: AFP

The 25-year-old, known for his solid defensive partnership in the Premier League with Virgil van Dijk, has showcased his personality off the pitch.

Konate has received attention on social media after rocking up to training in a green hood zipped up to conceal his face.

The centre-back had the waiting photographers guessing as they couldn’t identify who had proudly stepped out of the car.

Konate took a few steps towards the photographers before he laughed and said: “You don’t know who I am? Try to guess.”

He wore a checked black flannel suit over the top of the green underlay with chunky black shoes as he posed for pictures.

Konate then unzipped the bold face mask before he headed up the stairs and turned to pose again while sticking a “peace” V-sign up along the way.

He then escaped into the France HQ reception area with a camera man following him.

Unlike England stars, who all wear team tracksuits with the odd flash bag to St George’s Park, France players often show off their eccentric fashion tastes while reporting for international duty.

Barcelona star Jules Kounde again wore an extravagant outfit in the pouring rain after rocking up to Euro 2024 duty in heels earlier this year.

While Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola joined them with his more toned down statement of a French beret shortly after.

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France face Israel in Hungary due to the security situation in the Middle East before travelling to Belgium next Monday.

Kylian Mbappe has been left out of the squad after spending time on the Real Madrid sidelines with a hamstring issue.

Liverpool are looking to get Konate tied down to a new contract, with initial talks having taken place with his representatives.

The France international’s current deal runs until the summer of 2026.

Konate has made 99 appearances since arriving from RB Leipzig for £36m in 2021, and scored his first Prem goal at Wolves a fortnight ago.

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