Grenadier Pierrot gets hero's welcome from Cap-Haïtien to Bas-Limbé
Haiti's World Cup striker returned to his hometown as grassroots celebrations continue for Les Grenadiers, with calls for an official national reception still unanswered.
CAP-HAÏTIEN — Thousands of supporters lined roads from Cap-Haïtien to Bas-Limbé on July 10 to welcome Haiti striker Frantzdy Pierrot, continuing a series of grassroots celebrations honoring Les Grenadiers' historic return to the FIFA World Cup after 52 years, The Haitian Times reported.
Pierrot is the latest member of Haiti's World Cup squad to receive a hero's welcome. Days earlier, diaspora-based players Duckens Nazon, Martin Expérience and Josué Duverger were celebrated across the northern and southern regions, while locally-based midfielder Woodensky Pierre and Danley Jean-Jacques also returned home.
"I couldn't miss the opportunity to come back to Haiti," Pierrot said at a press conference in Cap-Haïtien, adding he wanted to spend time with young players in his foundation.
According to the report, calls for a nationwide victory tour organized by government officials and the Haitian Football Federation have largely gone unanswered, leaving municipalities and local organizations to welcome players on their own. Ongoing gang violence forced Les Grenadiers to play every qualifier and tournament match abroad.
Pierrot arrived at Cap-Haïtien International Airport and received a plaque from local officials and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Civic Action, before traveling the roughly 20-mile route to Bas-Limbé, where he reunited with family, including his father, Destiné Pierrot.