French footballer Kylian Mbappe stated on Sunday that he will not play for the French national team at the Olympic Games in Paris because his new club, Real Madrid, opposes it. In March, Mbappe expressed his desire to participate in the Games in Paris, but since the Olympic football tournament is not on the FIFA calendar, clubs are not obliged to release players.
The coach of the French Olympic team, Thierry Henry, did not include the 25-year-old Mbappe in the preliminary squad of 25 players earlier this month, although he left open the possibility of including him. “My club’s stance was very clear and that’s why I think I will not participate in the Games,” Mbappe told reporters ahead of the Group D match against Austria on Monday at the European Championship in Germany.
“That’s just the way it is and I understand it too. I am joining a new team in September, so this is not the best way to start the adventure. I will wish the French team all the best. I will watch every game, I hope they win the gold medal,” added Mbappe. The Olympic football tournament starts on July 24, ten days after the European Championship final, and ends on August 9.
Mbappe scored 44 goals last season Mbappe is one of the best footballers in the world. Last season, he played 48 matches for PSG, scoring 44 goals and assisting in ten. The brilliant striker then had his contract expire and moved to Real Madrid, which won both the Champions League and La Liga last season.
