PARIS, France — Kylian Mbappé don ready to lead France against Croatia after six-month break from international duty. The match go happen for Split as part of UEFA Nations League quarterfinal on Thursday. This go be Mbappé first start for France since dem lose 3-1 to Italy on September 6.
For pre-match press conference, Mbappé talk say he no handle captaincy well before and admit say highlights of his leadership not represent wetin dem expect. “I am lucid enough to know what I do well and what I don’t do well. I know people were not happy with what I was doing on and off the field, and I wasn’t doing them well,” he explain.
As captain, Mbappé say him no bring the team together well. “I have no problem questioning myself. I have never had any problem with criticism when it is deserved and well-argued,” Mbappé add. This moment of self-reflection come after teeming criticisms from fans and media during his past performances.
The 26-year-old striker dey third on France’s all-time goalscorers list with 48 goals. However, e don only score two goals for him last 12 international games. Despite doubts surrounding his leadership, discussions with coach Didier Deschamps lead to him maintaining the captaincy.
Mbappé miss Nations League matches last November, attributed to physical and mental struggles. Him dey also face backlash for playing for Real Madrid while avoiding international games due to minor injury.
As him don hit form again, Mbappé don score 31 goals in 44 games this season for club side Madrid. “I am feeling good, I feel happy to play football. I am happy to be here to help the team,” Mbappé express.
Mbappé go reunite with his close friend, Ousmane Dembélé, who dey in form as well. Dembélé don net 30 goals for Paris Saint-Germain this season. Mbappé praise am say, “He’s another string to our bow. When you see his current form, it gives us even more options, it makes us even more unpredictable for the opponent.”
As they prepare to face Croatia, Mbappé acknowledges the importance of combining well. “We just need to combine properly. But we know each other off by heart, and we want to play together,” he said. Dis quarterfinal dey mark Mbappé’s comeback and a chance to make amends for previous missteps as captain.
