Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has hinted at a tentative relationship with France manager Didier Deschamps, revealing some of the tense discussions that have taken place this season.
Bape captained his country following Hugo Lloris’ international retirement following the 2022 World Cup. The 25-year-old, who has 86 senior caps, led France to their semi-finals Euro 2024scoring just one penalty throughout the tournament, his performances marred by a broken nose.
After completing his long-delayed move to Real Madrid this summer, Mbappe’s commitment to France has been called into question. The prolific forward joined his country in September but has not returned to Deschamps’ side since.
Amidst rumors of outside influence from Real Madrid, Mbappe was omitted from the France squad in October. He continued absent from the international set-up a month later it was a huge shock.
For the first time since Deschamps’ surprise decision, Mappé addressed the issue in a wide-ranging interview with Canal+.
“My love for the French team has not changed,” insisted Mbappe. “Yes, I miss it, because I have been there for a long time.
“In September I asked the coach not to go, I had just arrived Madrid. I had a very short vacation. The coach insisted I come, it didn’t go too well. But it’s still the French team.
“After that, in October, I got injured. I wasn’t in those discussions, they were talking between staffs. The coach told me it was better not to take me.
“Then, it was November. But I can’t say. It’s the manager’s decision, I stand behind him. I respect his decision. He’s the boss. I wanted to go, but I can’t say why they didn’t call me up.”
Deschamps refused to directly elaborate on Bape’s omission, but reports emerged last month that the former midfielder would be in “discussions” with his player about whether to stay. France captain advancing.
The next international break isn’t until March 2025, when France face Croatia in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League.
