'He has no life' - Ibrahima Konate defends Kylian Mbappe from French criticism and suggests Real Madrid star is struggling psychologically

Mbappe has been the focus of much criticism since his long-awaited move to Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain finally went through in the summer, despite his seven goals in 11 matches. He has faced criticism in his home country, too, after being left out of the France squad this month.

While manager Didier Deschamps has explained Mbappe's absence is due to a slight injury, the forward continues to dominate discussion around Les Bleus ahead of their Nations League games against Israel and Belgium having made his return to fitness before this international window. Liverpool star Konate has come to Mbappe's defence, claiming the attention must take its toll on the 25-year-old.

"Sometimes I put myself in his shoes, and if I had all this hype around me, I don't know if I would have held on," Konate said at a press conference. "He managed to do it and he continues to do it. He may have a psychological breakdown in his life, I have no idea, but I would like to discuss it with him. But you have to put yourself in his shoes. Everything that revolves around him is... He has no life! He has no life! And it must be hard for him."

Mbappe was booed by Lille fans when he came off the bench in Real's defeat against the French team in the Champions League. The reaction shocked Konate, who said: "I don't understand why he is being booed in Lille. When I played against Toulouse with Liverpool [in the Europa League last season], they gave me an exceptional welcome. The Liverpool players really thought that I had played with Toulouse in my career. I think he is over that, but it must not be easy to experience that in his country, it's weird all the same."

While France continue their Nations League campaign, Mbappe will hope to be in good shape by the time Real return to La Liga action with a game against Celta Vigo on October 19.