Kylian Mbappe has spoken out about his extended absence from France matches, blaming head coach Didier Deschamps for his exclusion.
The Real Madrid star hasn’t played for France since a match against Belgium in the UEFA Nations League on September 9. He has an outstanding record of 48 goals in 86 matches.
Mbappe, who signed with Real Madrid in the summer, admitted that a number of things contributed to it.
This covers his health as well as his conversations with Deschamps.
The 25-year-old responded to allegations of decreasing dedication to the national team in an interview with Canal+:
“I still have the same affection for the French squad. Yes, I do miss it because I haven’t been there in a very long time.
I requested the coach not to go in September. I was on a very brief trip and had just landed in Madrid.
It didn’t go well, but the coach insisted that I come. I was hurt in October after that. It was best not to take me, the coach advised.
November came along, but I’m not sure why I wasn’t called up. The coach has the last say, and I respect that. He is in charge.
Although Deschamps has not disclosed the reasons for Mbappe’s absence, he has maintained that the forward is still part of his plans.
Since there aren’t any international games until March 2025, Mbappe will have plenty of time to concentrate on his Real Madrid performances.