Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappé stated on Thursday in his first press conference since being appointed as the captain of the French national team that his main role in the upcoming period will be to connect the old generation with the new players in the national team. He added, "I have become the captain of my country, it is a duty I cannot shirk, it is a new responsibility, and I will take it on naturally, my way of playing will not change, but perhaps the way I behave will."
He noted that the second captain, Antoine Griezmann, was disappointed by the decision, saying, "Perhaps Griezmann was the most important player during Deschamps' era, I am not his boss on the team." He confirmed that he will work hand in hand to help the team claim the position it deserves on the global stage and added, "I don't think the coach made me captain to be a version of Lloris."
The 32-year-old striker has worked closely with Deschamps, having made his debut for the national team in 2014. Mbappé has played 66 international matches and played a key role in the team's successful run in the 2018 World Cup and finishing as runners-up in 2022. Mbappé was appointed the captain of the French national team to replace Hugo Lloris after the 36-year-old goalkeeper announced his international retirement in January.
Mbappé will wear the captain's armband for the first time tomorrow, Friday, when France faces the Netherlands at the Stade de France in their opening match of the Euro 2024 qualifying tournament. They will play against Ireland away on Monday.
