Kylian Mbappe has broken his silence on being snubbed for France international duty, with the Real Madrid star saying that is “the coach’s decision”.

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• World Cup winner now captain of his country
• Left out of back-to-back squads
• Claims to remain committed to France cause

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Perennial Ballon d’Or hopeful Mbappe was named captain of his country following the 2022 World Cup, as Hugo Lloris called time on his career with Les Bleus, and now boasts 48 goals from his 86 caps. His most recent outing came on September 9 in a Nations League clash with Belgium.

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• GOAL
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Having become another ‘Galactico’ addition at Real Madrid over the summer, and taken his time to settle in Spain, the decision was made to leave him out of plans for international fixtures in October – with Mbappe also nursing a knock at that time. He was then overlooked again by Didier Deschamps in November.

• WHAT MBAPPE SAID

  Discussing that omission with , amid accusations of no longer being fully committed to the France cause, Mbappe said: “My love for the French team hasn't changed. 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 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 staff members. 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.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Deschamps has refused to elaborate on his reasons for not calling upon Mbappe, with the 25-year-old forward said to still be in his thoughts. There will not be another international break until March 2025, meaning that Los Blancos' superstar can give his full attention to club matters for now.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News