France's players initially wanted to head straight home on Monday after their 4-2 loss on penalties to Argentina the previous evening, the head of the French Football Federation, Noel le Graet, told AFP in a statement.
"Under the weight of the disappointment, the sadness and such strong emotions, I understood this choice and I respected it," he said.
"The situation changed around 10am (on Monday) after an exchange with the President, who wanted a moment of communion. Naturally, I accepted along with the team," he added.
After a confusing day of contradictory statements, the French players eventually appeared for a few minutes on Monday evening on the balcony of the five-star Hotel de Crillon at the historic Place de la Concorde.
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