Kylian Mbappe spoke about a row between new employees Real Madrid and the French Football Federation … [+]
At a pre-match press conference on Sunday, Kylian Mbappe spoke about a row between new employers Real Madrid and the French Football Federation (FFF) regarding his involvement in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Mbappe’s free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Madrid was finally announced a fortnight ago, leaving the 25-year-old to focus on Euro 2024.
After the UEFA tournament held in Germany wraps up, however, Mbappe won’t play for Thierry Henry in the football tournament at the Olympic Games, which will be held in his hometown Paris.
Real Madrid has blocked its French stars including Mbappe, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga from competing the U23 competition, which allows for some senior stars too.
Asked about the matter ahead of the France senior national team playing its Euro 2024 debut against Austria on Monday, Mbappe was resigned to his fate.
“My club’s position is very clear and I understand that I will not be there. I understand my club’s position as I am a newcomer. I hope we win the Games,” Mbappe said.
In Germany at the Euros, however, Mbappe will be allowed to play in “several positions” and shed light on a talk with his Les Bleus head coach Dider Deschamps.
“I have spoken with the coach and he has told me that I can play in several positions this time and that it is not a problem. It doesn’t matter where I play because I am ready to play and adapt,” Mbappe explained.
On his fitness, which some have doubts about, Mbappe insisted: “I’m ready to win, it’s more of a mental issue.
“My head is perfect, now let’s see how my legs are.”
Probed on a tense social and political climate in his homeland, Mbappe said: “I believe that we are at a crucial moment in our country, we are citizens first and foremost and we cannot be disconnected.
“It is an unprecedented situation and I want to address the people, especially the young people. We see that the extremes are in the center of power and I ask young people to go vote.
“We have to identify with the values of this country, every vount counts and I hope that the right choice is made,” Mbappe concluded.