'It's the coach's decision' - Kylian Mbappe points finger at Didier Deschamps over France snub as Real Madrid superstar admits he 'misses' playing for Les Bleus

Perennial Ballon d’Or hopeful Mbappe was named captain of his country following the 2022 World Cup, as Hugo Lloris called time on his career with Les Bleus, and now boasts 48 goals from his 86 caps. His most recent outing came on September 9 in a Nations League clash with Belgium.

Having become another ‘Galactico’ addition at Real Madrid over the summer, and taken his time to settle in Spain, the decision was made to leave him out of plans for international fixtures in October – with Mbappe also nursing a knock at that time. He was then overlooked again by Didier Deschamps in November.

Discussing that omission with Canal+, amid accusations of no longer being fully committed to the France cause, Mbappe said: “My love for the French team hasn't changed. Yes, I miss it, because it's been a long time since I've been there. In September, I asked the coach not to go. I had just arrived in Madrid. I had a super short vacation. The coach insisted that I come, it didn't go very well. But it's still the French team.

“After that, in October, I was injured. I wasn't in those discussions, they were talking between staff members. The coach told me it was better that he didn't take me. Then, there was November. But I can't say. It's the coach's decision, I stand behind him. I respect his decision. He's the boss. I wanted to go, but I can't say why I wasn't called up.”

Deschamps has refused to elaborate on his reasons for not calling upon Mbappe, with the 25-year-old forward said to still be in his thoughts. There will not be another international break until March 2025, meaning that Los Blancos' superstar can give his full attention to club matters for now.