Morgan Schneiderlin has admitted that it is a dream come true to be playing for France at the World Cup.
The Southampton midfielder was playing in League One just a few seasons ago, but he believes that breaking through on the international stage is his reward for what he has achieved in England.
"It's a dream come true to be here, playing in the Maracana, which is an amazing stadium," Schneiderlin told reporters.
"In football, things move so quickly. Four or five years ago, I was playing in League One and now I'm playing in the Maracana.
"It's just amazing. But I feel it's a reward for the work I've put in. It was not an easy time at Southampton sometimes."
France take on Germany inside the Maracana in their quarter-final on Friday.