As a new chapter begins for France and Kylian Mbappe, that familiar feeling of off-field turmoil reared its ugly neck.
Reports have emerged in the French media that the more experienced and senior Antoine Griezmann has felt put out by Didier Deschamps’ decision to name 24-year-old Mbappe as Hugo Lloris’ successor as Les Bleus captain.
“Given his longevity, I expected Griezmann to be named. It surprised me, he’s Didier’s key man, the one he counts on the most” former France international Robert Pires told Mundo Deportivo.
“It’s a lack of respect for Antoine, although, I have nothing against Kylian. We must not forget what Antoine did in the last World Cup, where he was our best player.
“It would have been smarter to name Griezmann captain now and give Kylian the armband in two years.”
The captaincy row dominated the conversation in France, with Emmanuel Petit backing Deschamps’ decision and firing shots in Griezmann’s direction.
Meanwhile, the ever-reliable Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 29.
Last seen in the colours of Les Bleus hobbling off the pitch after literally giving it all he had in the World Cup final, the Manchester United centre-back has offered a healthy dose of perspective about the toll juggling elite club football and international football takes only players’ bodies.
“The calendar is already more than full, the players are overworked and it will get even worse,” Varane the French GQ magazine.
“I’m afraid that we will witness much shorter careers and that players will have to give up the France team very early because, physically or mentally, what we are asking for today is simply beyond limits. The fact that I announced the end of my international career and not having hidden the reasons, that resonated with many players.
“Believe me, all the international players who play in Europe and never stop go through periods of poor form lasting several months, or they get injured. The young players who start in the France team there, those who have played in the World Cup, are going to have to make a lot of sacrifices if they want to stay on top for ten years. And it might be harder than what I’ve experienced.”
Gulp. Good luck, Kylian.
At just 24 years old, he has 67 appearances for France under his belt. Three major tournaments. Over 300 games for Monaco and PSG.
To witness the ascent of Mbappe has been like watching former Ballon d’Or winners…
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