Kylian Mbappé (25) has spoken about his relationship with the French national team after being absent from the squad for the past two international matches.
During the October international break, it was reported that Mbappe did not want to be called up to the team that would play Israel and Belgium, while Didier Deschamps and FFF president Philippe Diallo both discussed the captain's absence, claiming it was a decision that was taken with player welfare in mind.
Foot Mercato also claimed that the former Paris Saint-Germain player and current Real Madrid star has made winning the Ballon d'Or his priority, only wanting to compete for Les Bleus in “important” games so that he avoids sustaining an injury that would derail that dream.
Ahead of November's international break, L'Équipe wrote that Mbappé was expected to be back in the team. However, Deschamps left Mbappé out of the selection and even claimed at the press conference that the captain wanted to be part of the team.
This is something that Mbappé touched on in an interview with Canal+: “I can't say [why I was left out]. It was the coach's decision. I support him. I wanted to go, but I can't say why I didn't get a call.
However, the Frenchman emphasized that he is fully committed to the national team: “The French team has always had the highest rank in football… I have always said that there is nothing more important. My love for the French team has not changed.”
GFFN | Nick Hartland
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