Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has addressed the discussions surrounding his recent absence from the French national team during international matches.
The controversy erupted when Didier Deschamps, the French coach, decided to leave him out of the squad.
Mbappe, who had been silent on the issue since September, has now shared his perspective, shedding light on his decisions and clarifying his commitment to France.
His conversation with Deschamps
The forward revealed that his relationship with the national team remains unwavering, despite the setbacks. He explained that leading up to the September fixtures, he had spoken with Deschamps about his situation.
At the time, he was settling into life at Real Madrid, adjusting to a new environment, and admitted that he was not in the best physical or mental state to represent his country.
Kylian Mbappe revealed his conversation with Didier Deschamps. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
“In September, I had a pre-conversation with the coach where I asked him not to go because I was discovering a new country, a new home and I was not at my best,” Mbappe told Canal +.
He mentioned that he had missed out on a proper break, which took a toll on his performance and readiness.
Despite his request to skip the matches, Deschamps insisted that he must take a leave, which Mbappe respected but noted did not yield the best results.
“I had no holidays. He insisted that I go. Things were not so good when I last went. In October I got injured.”
Later, in October, an injury sidelined him, and by November, his absence was entirely Deschamps’ decision.
“In November, I can’t say. It’s the coach’s decision. He doesn’t want anyone to know and I respect his decision, but I wanted to go,” he explained.
Captaining France
Mbappe also touched upon his role as France’s captain, a subject that has sparked significant debate.
Kylian Mbappe reflected on the challenges of captaining France. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
While acknowledging Antoine Griezmann’s suitability for the captaincy, he shared that Deschamps offered him the armband, which he accepted as an honour.
“Griezmann had the legitimacy to be captain. The coach said to me: ‘Would you like to be captain of the French national team?’
“It would be an honour. I wouldn’t have done anything if he hadn’t given it to me.”
However, he expressed frustration over false narratives surrounding his leadership and past performances, particularly during Euro 2021.
“People lied about me. At Euro 2021, they lied from the first day to the last, they called me a monkey, and they blamed me for certain failures.”
He recalled facing harsh criticism, including personal insults and being unfairly blamed for team failures. Despite this, Mbappe affirmed his unwavering dedication to representing France and serving his country on the international stage.
“But it’s the French national team and I’ve always given everything. You serve your country and that’s it,” he admitted.
Through his candid statements, Mbappe has reinforced his commitment to the French national team while addressing the controversies with clarity and respect.