The French association president Noël Le Graët spoke of possible resignation thoughts of the superstar Kylian Mbappé after the EM-Aus 2021. Now the professional has reacted – and heated up the debate.
The French world champion Kylian Mbappé apparently briefly considered retiring from the national team after his missed penalty in the lost round of 16 of the European Championship against Switzerland. This was reported by association president Noël Le Graët in an interview with the newspaper “Journal du Dimanche”.
“He felt that the association hadn’t defended him after his missed penalty and the criticism on the internet,” said Le Graët: “He was angry, he didn’t want to play in the French team anymore.”
But a little later, the professional reported on Twitter – and gave another reason.
Mbappé responds to statements
The star striker accused Le Graët, head of the association, of ignoring racist attacks – because Le Graët downplayed the insults from disappointed fans after Mbappé’s crucial failed attempt on penalties against Switzerland.
“It was related to racism and not to the penalty kick,” Mbappé clarified his point of view in a Twitter message on Sunday.