Mbappe 'happy' to be back with France national team
Kylian Mbappe (C) takes part in a training session ahead of France's Nations League quarter-final against Croatia (Franck FIFE)
Kylian Mbappe said on Wednesday he was delighted to be reunited with his France team-mates as he prepares to win his first international cap in six months against Croatia in the Nations League quarter-finals.
"I feel good, I feel happy to be playing football, I feel happy to be here," said France captain Mbappe at a news conference in Split.
The 26-year-old missed two matches in October due to injury and another two in November -- when coach Didier Deschamps opted to rest him during a difficult period for the player as he adapted to life at new club Real Madrid.
Advertisement
But ahead of Thursday's first-leg clash in Croatia, Mbappe said he was "delighted to be back with the group".
"Most of the team-mates who are here, we talk pretty much all the time. I go on holiday with some of them. It's a pleasure to be here. The situation may have been unclear to people outside, but it's always been clear internally," he added.
The 2018 World Cup winner made a long-expected move to Real Madrid last summer, but, by his own admission, had difficulties finding his top form for the reigning Spanish and European champions.
Mbappe also found himself at the centre of a scandal last autumn, with Swedish press reporting on a rape investigation in which they alleged his name appeared. However in December, the Swedish courts closed the case without prosecuting anyone.
Advertisement
"A career is not linear. You have to refocus on what makes you happy and get back to work. If I had to do things differently? I would have played better," said Mbappe, looking back at the end of 2024.
France take on Croatia in Split on Thursday, before hosting the return fixture in three days' time at the Stade de France in Paris.
eba/cpb/nf/dj
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
25 minutes ago
- Yahoo
FIGC advance proposal to Ranieri, Friedkins must decide
The Italian Federation is planning to advance an official proposal to Claudio Ranieri. The FIGC – led by Gabriele Gravina – have identified in Ranieri the right successor to Luciano Spalletti who will be dismissed after tonight's match against Moldova. Advertisement According to Tuttomercatoweb, the offer will arrive in the next hours with Ranieri receiving the proposal to lead Italy until July 2026, so until the next World Cup. The proposal will also involve an invitation to work for the FIGC as a director after the World Cup, but that will be discussed further on eventually. In the meantime, the FIGC would be content with Ranieri handling both the role of technical commissioner of the national team and advisor to Roma. The final decision is now up to the Friedkins who can still veto this offer.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Lenglet terminates Barcelona contract to complete Atletico Madrid move
Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of Clement Lenglet after he terminated his contract with Barcelona, as confirmed by both clubs. The 29-year-old joined the Catalan giants in 2018 from Sevilla, and he initially looked impressive. However, his form nosedived. Advertisement After loan spells at Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa, Lenglet moved to Atletico on a season-long loan last summer. Following a tough start, the Frenchman gradually established himself as a regular for Diego Simeone's side, making 34 appearances in all competitions. The former Nancy star joins Atletico on a free transfer, penning a three-year deal until 2028 with a reduced salary. Barcelona will cover part of Lenglet's wages, as he had two years remaining on his previous contract. The Catalan giants will save approximately €16 million with his departure. Lenglet's resurgence also saw him return to the French national team this month after nearly a four-year absence. He started in the Nations League semi-final clash against Spain, which Les Bleus lost 5-4. Advertisement With Axel Witsel set to leave Wanda Metropolitano this summer upon the expiry of his contract, Atletico are looking to sign another top-class centre-back. Tottenham Hotspur's Cristian Romero has been earmarked as their primary target. The 2022 World Cup winner is also keen to join Atletico, thanks to the Argentine contingent at the club, which includes Rodrigo De Paul, Julian Alvarez, Nahuel Molina and Giuliano Simeone. However, Spurs are demanding around €70m to part ways with Romero, whose contract runs until 2027.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
🥳 Scotland attacker bags first international goal against Liechtenstein
George Hirst was denied his first-ever international goal on Friday evening during Scotland's 3-1 defeat to Iceland with a glaring miss, but made no mistake when presented with another opportunity against Liechtenstein. The Tartan Army already led the European minnows 2-0 at half time and Hirst added a third just minutes into the second half. Advertisement The Ipswich attacker was first to react when Adams headered into the six-yard box and applied a simple finish to get off the mark in a Scotland shirt. Hirst has made just two starts for Scotland and will hope to extend his international tally in the coming years. 📸 Ian MacNicol - 2025 Getty Images
