Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has lifted the lid on his intense relationship with France boss Didier Deschamps.
Mbappe has not played for France since the September international break, missing the respective October and November windows and four UEFA Nations League matches.
Both omissions caused major controversy in Madrid and Paris and led to questions about his efforts as France captain.
October's call was based on Mbappe's recent return from injury and an agreement with Deschamps on permission to recover, but November's decision was less clear.
Mbappe and Deschamps claimed it was a move by the Les Blues boss, but with little explanation.
Mbappe gave a cryptic update on the situation as part of an interview with Canal TV in France, with national team fans still unsure about the matter.
“There is nothing more important to me than the French national team,” he said.
“I asked Deschamps not to call me because I had just arrived in Madrid and I wasn't feeling 100%, I barely had a holiday.
“The reason I wasn't called up to the French team in November? It was the coach's decision. I can't tell you why. If he wants to say it, he can. But I'm not allowed.
“I wanted to play in November, but the coach decided not to call me up and I respected that.”
Mbappe will now await Deschamps' decision for the Nations League quarter-finals in March 2025, with France playing Croatia, ahead of the possible finals in June – a week before the FIFA Club World Cup in the US.
Comments