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France captain Kylian Mbappe has confirmed that he will not be participating in the 2024 Olympics with his country because of his club's decision. The Real Madrid forward was keen on featuring in the Olympic Games this summer in Paris but won't do so now.
Paris Saint-Germain's all-time record goalscorer (256) Mbappe was at the centre of a major transfer saga for months. He refused to extend his contract with the French club last summer, which expired this summer. He featured for Les Parisien, helping them win the Ligue 1 title even after announcing that he wasn't going to continue at the club. He eventually left as a free agent and joined Real Madrid.
Kylian Mbappe has been open and consistent in declaring his wish to feature at the Olympics, a tournament he has never previously played in. Now 25, he would have been eligible as one of the overaged players in his country's 18-man squad of U-23 players.
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However, at a press conference ahead of Les Bleus' Euro 2024 opener against Austria on June 17, he confirmed that he won't participate in the tournament. He revealed that he held conversations with Real Madrid. It was decided that it would be far from ideal to have him feature in two international tournaments this summer.
“The Olympics? I will not participate. I understand the decision of my club. It wouldn’t be the best start to participate in all tournaments without resting.”
France president Emmanuel Macron had tried to contact the European champions to permit their latest Galactico addition to play, but it came to no avail. The forward will now resume pre-season camping with his new club after his participation in Euro 2024, where he is France's captain.
France U-21 manager Thierry Henry is leading the squad to the Olympics, and Mbappe has declared his support for the side. The manager has named 25 players in his initial shortlist, which will be pruned down to 18 players for the tournament next month.
Kylian Mbappe hails Spain as one of the best teams at Euro 2024
France captain Kylian Mbappe has named fellow European giants Spain as one of the teams to watch at Euro 2024. The Real Madrid man made his comments after La Roja brushed aside 2022 World Cup bronze medalists Croatia 3-0 in their group-stage opener.
Mbappe spoke at a press conference about the Spanish side, calling them a 'great' team. He also clarified that his comments were not just because of their win over Croatia, but their performances prior to the tournament.
“Spain NT? They’re a great team. They showed it against Croatia. Even before the match vs Croatia, I knew they were good.”
Goals from Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz, and Dani Carvajal gave Spain a comfortable win to begin their Group B campaign in Germany on June 15. Kylian Mbappe and his France team have identified their rivals as they look for a first Euros title in 24 years.
