Euro 2024
I’m Focused On France And The Euros – Says Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappe is excited that his much-anticipated transfer to Real Madrid has been finalized.
However, the French captain is currently focused on the national team as they get ready for Euro 2024.
After his Paris St-Germain contract expired, Mbappe officially joined Real Madrid on Monday, bringing an end to the transfer saga.
Although delighted and relieved about the move, Mbappe emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on the French national team during a press conference on Tuesday.
“I wanted to express myself before starting this press conference. Everyone knows the news, it’s official, I’m going to be a Real Madrid player for the next five seasons,” Mbappe told reporters ahead of France’s friendly with Luxembourg.
“It’s an immense pleasure, a dream come true. It’s very exciting. I am very happy, liberated, relieved, and extremely proud. This is the club I’ve always dreamed of being at, so I want to thank them.” He stated.
Following his first response to the news, Mbappe firmly stated that he would refrain from further comments on his club situation, emphasizing France’s goal of securing their first Euro victory since 2000.
“It’s a great day for me but I have responsibilities as captain of France and this situation has overshadowed the national team,” Mbappe said.
“I know it’s not fair to journalists, but I’ll only answer questions about the national team. I want to protect my team, it’s been a long time since we won the European Championship, 24 years is too long.”
Mbappe’s season began in turmoil, as he was left out of the PSG squad after he refused to sign a new contract. Yet he ended the campaign with 44 goals, his highest tally in a season, and led his side to the league and cup double.
“I approached the season with a different ambition because I always thought I wasn’t going to play. I was told to my face, I was spoken to violently, so I was convinced that I wasn’t going to play,” Mbappe said.
“Luis Enrique and Luis Campos saved me. Without them, I would never have set foot on the pitch again.”
Despite his success with PSG last season, Mbappe expressed some dissatisfaction with his performance, indicating that he would not be content with a similar level of play in the following year.
“That’s why my ambitions last season were different. It wasn’t as high in my standards, but just playing and winning trophies was my greatest pride,” he said.
“This has been the most difficult season and the one I’m most proud of. I haven’t been unhappy at PSG, to say that would be unfair.”
Kylian Mbappe goes into his fourth tournament with France, having won the 2018 World Cup and reached the final in 2022, but at Euro 2020 they went out at the last-16 stage, with Mbappe missing a penalty in the shootout against Switzerland.
“You don’t learn when you win like we did in 2018. I took a slap in the face at the Euros with a failed competition. It’s the big black spot on my CV with the national team,” Mbappe said.
“The player I am in the World Cup has shown all his qualities, the player at the Euros has everything to prove and after 24 years, people are eager to win this competition.”
France set to play against Luxembourg in Metz on Wednesday and will have a final warm-up match against Canada on Sunday before traveling to Germany for Euro 2024. In Group D, they are scheduled to compete against the Netherlands, Austria, and Poland.
