The appointment of Kylian Mbappé as the new captain of France has led to disappointment with Antoine Griezmann. According to French media, the 32-year-old attacker had hoped that national coach Didier Deschamps had given him the armband.
Disappointed Griezmann sees dream shattered by decision Deschamps
After the farewell of goalkeeper and record international Hugo Lloris, Deschamps decided to appoint Mbappé as the new captain in the run-up to next Friday’s European Championship qualifying match with the Orange. Griezmann is the vice-captain behind the 24-year-old star of Paris Saint-Germain, who is by far the most experienced international in the French squad with 117 caps along with all-time top scorer Olivier Giroud (120 caps).
Griezmann wore the band in September last year during the Nations League game with Denmark, when Lloris and Raphaël Varane, who also retired as an international, were both missing from the starting line-up. According to French media, the fact that Deschamps informed him in a short conversation on Monday evening that he prefers Mbappé as the new captain of Les Bleus led to disappointment with the Atlético Madrid attacker.
According to Le Figaro, Griezmann dreamed of being captain at the European Championship 2024. The newspaper, like L’Equipe, writes that it could even have consequences for his international career, but RMC Sport disputes that. That knows that the ex-Barcelona and Real Sociedad player has a good relationship with Deschamps. As the national coach also supported him in times of criticism. Griezmann has not missed an international match since June 2017 and will remain fully committed to the national team.
Deschamps explains why Mbappé is the new France captain
Responding to this to TF1 of France, Deschamps explained that 24-year-old Mbappé “has all the ticks”. “He complies with everything to bear responsibility. On the field and off, he is a key figure,” he added.
Deschamps also confirmed that Antoine Griezmann (32) will continue as reserve captain. That would have led to severe disappointment for the Atlético Madrid player.
Up to and including the World Cup in Qatar, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was the captain of France for many years. He retired as an international after the world championship.
