Liverpool midfielder Bruno Cheyrou has revealed his surprise at winning a France call-up after the early years of his career which he describes as 'atypical'.
New France coach Jacques Santini has brought in the 24-year-old former Lille man for next Wednesday's friendly match in Tunisia.
Cheyrou told newspaper L'Equipe: "My career has been quite atypical so far.
"I was even chucked out of (Lens') training centre, but this is part of the past and the most important cap now has come.
"This is the most beautiful, it is only coming a little bit earlier than planned."
Cheyrou joined Liverpool in June after four successful seasons with Lille who he helped climb out of the second division and to reach the Champions League.
"On Saturday I was told that Jacques Santini was in the same hotel as us in Cardiff," added Cheyrou.
Liverpool lost 1-0 to Arsenal in the Community Shield but Cheyrou obviously made a good impression.
"He met Gerard Houllier and they spoke about me. And then Gerard told me I had a good chance to be called up.
"This is pure happiness for me, I am experiencing the best summer of my life.
"There was my wedding first, then the transfer (to Liverpool) and now the France national team.
"I think the national coach wants to reward me for my great years in Lille.
"Many players who were called up are playing in France, this proves Le Championnat is of a great quality."
The match in Tunisia will be France's first following their disappointing World Cup campaign in Japan and Korea.
It will also mark Santini's debut after Roger Lemerre was sacked in July.