Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has hinted at a testing relationship with France manager Didier Deschamps, revealing some of the tense discussions which have taken place this season.
Mbappe was made his nation’s captain following the international retirement of Hugo Lloris after the 2022 World Cup. The 25-year-old with 86 senior caps to his name led France to the semi-finals of Euro 2024, scoring just a single penalty throughout the tournament while his performances were affected by a broken nose.
Following the completion of his heavily trailed move to Real Madrid this summer, Mbappe’s commitment to France has come under question. The prolific forward joined up with his country in September, but has not returned to Deschamps’ squad since.
Amid rumours of external influence from Real Madrid, Mbappe was omitted from France’s October squad. His continued absence from the international setup one month later was a huge shock.
For the first time since Deschamps’ surprise decision, Mbappe has addressed the subject in a wide-ranging interview on Canal+.
« My love for the French team hasn’t changed, » Mbappe insisted. « Yes, I miss it, because it’s been a long time since I’ve been there.
« In September, I asked the coach not to go. I had just arrived in Madrid. I had had a super short vacation. The coach insisted that I come, it didn’t go very well. But it’s still the French team.
« After that, in October, I was injured. I wasn’t in those discussions, they were talking between staffs. The coach told me it was better that he didn’t take me.
« Then, there was November. But I can’t say. It’s the coach’s decision, I stand behind him. I respect his decision. He’s the boss. I wanted to go, but I can’t say why I wasn’t called up. »
Deschamps has bluntly refused to elaborate on Mbappe’s omission, however reports emerged last month that the former midfielder would « discuss » with his player whether he will remain France captain going forward.
The next international break isn’t until March 2025, when France take on Croatia in a two-legged UEFA Nations League quarter-final.
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