'This Kylian Mbappe is a f*cking player' - Real Madrid talisman hailed for rediscovering form of 'two years ago' - but ex-PSG star urges him to give up France captaincy

After a slow start to his journey at Real Madrid following his move to the Spanish capital in the summer, Mbappe has played his way into form. Since December, the French forward has scored seven goals across all competitions, including a brace in the club's latest La Liga win over Las Palmas. Rothen has hailed Mbappe for rediscovering his form of 'two years ago', when he was firing on cylinders at PSG.

On his RMC Sport show Rothen s'enflamme, the former France international said: "He is more and more consistent, he is better in his runs and technically. We are gradually finding the Mbappe of two years ago and this Mbappe is a f*cking player."

Mbappe was, however, dropped from the French national team during the October and November international breaks, and according to Rothen, the attacker should focus only on his game and give up the leadership role. The 46-year-old added: "I think Mbappe should only focus his communication on football. Regarding the armband in the French team, after everything that has happened, I think he should give it up."

The star attacker will be back in action for Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid side on Wednesday as they host RB Salzburg in a crucial Champions League encounter.