'He does what he wants' - Kylian Mbappe defended by France team-mate Wesley Fofana after Real Madrid star spotted in Swedish nightclub

The Real Madrid star was not included in France's squad for their Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium as manager Didier Deschamps wanted to allow him more time to get "100 per cent fit". The 25-year-old was reportedly spotted in a Stockholm nightclub while France beat Israel 4-1 on Thursday. While some have criticised the former Paris Saint Germain star, compatriot Fofana has come to his aid, saying "he does what he wants."

He told reporters: "People can do what they want with their free time. It isn't something we [the France squad] have talked about today, I hadn't heard about this story. He does what he wants; he is a great guy and a great professional. Are we making too much of it? I don't know. He's the best French player, so it's normal that it is very publicised. I think that from time to time [the media] go a little too far. You should ask Kylian Mbappé for more information."

Mbappe finally made his blockbuster move to Madrid from PSG this summer but the 2018 World Cup winner hasn't been as impressive as many would have hoped. He has scored seven goals in 11 matches this season but three of those have been from penalties. And when things aren't quite going as well as expected, players of Mbappe's fame may get treated harsher than others - rightly or wrongly.

While Mbappe will soon get ready for Madrid's next run of fixtures, his France side travel to Belgium in the Nations League on Monday night.