Kylian Mbappe sent out a message as Didier Deschamps confirmed that the Real Madrid star will lead Les Bleus for the Nations League ties with Croatia.
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Mbappe has been recalled to the France squadWill have the armband against CroatiaForward shared his excitement on social mediaFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Mbappé, who was previously left out of the squad for the October and November international fixtures, has now been reinstated, putting to rest speculation about his involvement with the French national team. Deschamps had initially omitted the former Paris Saint-Germain star in October due to concerns over his fitness and then kept him out again in November, calling it a “one-off” decision.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT MBAPPE & DESCHAMPS SAID
Following questions about whether Mbappé would retain the captaincy upon his return, Deschamps provided clarity by confirming his role.
“I spoke with him, we had a discussion,” the French coach revealed. “He will be the captain.”
The forward also put up an Instagram story to celebrate his selection and wrote: "Back".
@k.mbappe Instagram
Mbappe reportedly had ankle issues and it was only after a late fitness test that he was allowed to start during the second leg of the round of 16 tie against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
Speaking about Mbappe's fitness, the manager stated: "I don't have any information today; he played 120 minutes on Wednesday. When you play matches every three days, to play without a problem… Sometimes I too prefer that a player doesn't train if it allows him to play afterwards. I hope the weekend's matches go well for the selected players. I don't have any information about having a problem."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Mbappé has netted 48 goals in 86 international appearances, putting him within touching distance of Thierry Henry’s tally of 51 goals. At the top of the charts remains Olivier Giroud, who is still nine goals ahead of Mbappé. Given his prolific scoring rate, the Real Madrid star could surpass both Henry and Giroud in the near future if he maintains his current form.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR FRANCE?
Les Bleus are gearing up for a highly anticipated UEFA Nations League quarter-final against Croatia. The first leg is set for March 20 at Poljud Stadium in Split, with the return fixture scheduled for March 23 at the Stade de France in Paris.
