Intro:

The French Euro 2012 squad enjoyed a stroll around the centre of sunny Donetsk on Saturday (June 9).

Script:

A rare moment of freedom for the French as they relaxed in central Donetsk on Saturday.

They were not venturing too far - just 30 minutes away from their training complex.

Among the group, defender Patrice Evra, midfielder Florent Malouda and forward Mathieu Valbuena.

Coach Laurent Blanc and the French Football Federation's president Noel Le Graet also walked the streets of Donetsk near the Opera house.

They said they were just enjoying a leisurely walk, an hour of freedom and walking outside.

Players have a tight schedule and rarely get out of the training complex, apart from press conferences and matches.

France open their Group D campaign on Monday (June 11) with a match against England.