PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 06: Kylian Mbappe of France reacts during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A2 match between France and Italy at Parc Des Princes on September 06, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
Kylian Mbappe of France, for whom he is now captain
Kylian Mbappe admits his relationship with Antoine Griezmann is “complicated” - but that suggestions the pair don’t see eye-to-eye couldn’t be further from the truth.
Fingers were pointed at the Real Madrid superstar when Griezmann announced his France retirement back in September. The veteran Atletico Madrid forward called time on his International career in September after making 137 appearances for his country and scoring 44 goals. Griezmann, 33, has been a key player for Les Bleus for over a decade, and was integral to their 2018 World Cup triumph in Russia.
After Griezmann announced his retirement, Mbappe was blamed in some quarters for his role and behaviour. He had been made captain when Hugo Lloris retired at Griezmann’s expense - a decision that upset the Atletico star - and there was speculation and rumours during Euro 2024 about the players’ relationship and its effect on the camp.
But in an interview with Le Parisien, Mbappe insists claims of issues between the pair are wide of the mark. He said: "We often talk with Antoine. I love his son, he's a football fanatic, he reminds me a bit of myself when I was little. I love him, Amaro.
Griezmann called time on his international career in September
Griezmann called time on his international career in September
"But after that, it's true that it's complicated because we're in a city where our two teams are real rivals. But I can assure you, we have a very good relationship with Antoine. He's already invited me to his house quite a few times for a barbecue.
“It hasn't happened yet, but we're sure to get there. We live next door, in the same building."
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He also suggested that he was aware of Griezmann's retirement decision before the formal announcement was made, adding: "Not only did I know he was going to quit, but he also explained why.
"But it's always the same, it's his decision, only he can explain to you why he made that choice."
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