Franck Kessie’s reason for his ‘soldier’ celebration is a touching one

Photo: Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie lasted 80 minutes on the pitch in the Champions League game against Viktoria Plzen.

Kessie scored the opening goal in the 5-1 victory over the Czech Republic, as he put Barca ahead in the 13th minute.

To celebrate his goal, Kessie did his customary salute celebration.

The Ivorian had explained why he usually celebrates with a salute.

Franck Kessie told the media in 2017, explaining his trademark ‘soldier’ celebration: “My father was a footballer in Ivory Coast, but then ended up in the army to serve his country. He died of illness shortly after I turned 11.

“When I score, I like to do this kind of greeting in his honour.”

Kessie always celebrates goals this way. He had also done the celebration with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang when the striker was still at Barca.