Florent Malouda just wants to play soccer.
Through his favorite sport, Malouda wants to help young players grow and flourish at higher levels. He wants children in his boyhood home of French Guiana to see that they, too, can play international games if they work hard.
The last thing Malouda wants to be is a symbol of soccer unrest.
On Tuesday night in Houston, however, he had little choice. Thanks to what happened at BBVA Compass Stadium, all eyes in the soccer world will be on him this week.
"I just wish," Malouda said Tuesday before smiling.