Kylian Mbappé, the new captain of the French national team, told a press conference on Thursday that he considers it “normal” for Antonine Griezmann to feel “disappointed” at not having kept the armband, as chosen by coach Didier Deschamps.
“I spoke with Antoine. He was disappointed and, frankly, it’s understandable and normal. In his place, I would have the same reaction. He is perhaps the most important player of the Didier Deschamps era. But I will not be superior to him in the hierarchy.” , said Mbappe.
Despite being only 24 years old, the Paris Saint Germain already made 66 appearances for the France national team, in which he scored 36 goals, and won the 2018 World Cup.
Mbappé, who has defended France since 2017, inherited the belt from goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who retired from the national team after the Qatar World Cup in December.
Griezmann will, from now on, be the second captain, replacing defender Raphael Varane, who also retired from the national team.
“Antoine is loved by the whole group, it would be a shame not to take advantage of his experience. We will go together to seek victory with the French national team”, added Mbappé, who said he would like to be a captain “aggregator” and “delivered to the team”.
France open their Euro 2024 qualifiers on Friday against the Netherlands in Paris.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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