Mbappé affirms his commitment to the national team despite recent absences
Kylian Mbappe (25) expressed his unwavering commitment to the French national team, despite his absence from recent match selections, and conveyed his respect for the choices made by coach Didier Deschamps.
"The French team represents the pinnacle of football; it is the national team. I have consistently stated that nothing is more significant. My affection for the French team remains unchanged," Mbappe remarked during an interview with Canal+ on Sunday.
"I have always given my utmost effort," continued the France captain, who has not participated in matches for Les Bleus since two Nations League encounters in early September.
"One serves their country, and that is paramount. I have always regarded the French national team with the highest esteem. I have done everything within my power to represent it to the best of my ability."
The 25-year-old forward is recognized as one of the premier players globally and transferred to Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid in July.
He has earned 86 caps for France but was omitted from the squads for the recent Nations League matches in October and November.
"I cannot comment on November as it was a decision made by the coach (Deschamps), and I will support his judgment. I fully respect his decision because he is in charge. I wished to participate, but I cannot elaborate on the reasons," he stated.
Real Madrid has encountered difficulties at the beginning of the season and faces the risk of being eliminated from the Champions League group stage, currently positioned last in the playoff standings.
"This season has not commenced well, both collectively and individually. We are preparing for the critical moments ahead. It has not lived up to expectations, but at Real, there is an expectation to perform in the latter half of the season," Mbappe noted.
The football calendar has raised significant concerns among elite players, as the increasing number of fixtures may lead to injuries, a worry that Mbappe shares.
"In the NBA, players enjoy four months off. We receive only two weeks. By the second week, we are already back to training. It is hardly a vacation," he commented.
The effects of such a rigorous schedule have evidently taken a toll on him, particularly following Euro 2024, during which he participated while wearing a face mask due to a broken nose. He requested to be substituted during extra time in France's quarter-final match due to exhaustion. Ultimately, France was eliminated in the semi-finals.
"I was fatigued. I wished to remain on the field because I give my all for the French team, but it was draining," Mbappe remarked.
SportsLigue