Griezmann is 'UPSET and HURT' at being snubbed for France captaincy
Antoine Griezmann is ‘UPSET and HURT’ at being snubbed for the France captaincy in favour of Kylian Mbappe – and could now QUIT international football after bosses chose the more ‘divisive’ option
- Kylian Mbappe has reportedly been appointed as the new captain of France
- Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps preferred Mbappe over Antoine Griezmann
- This has upset the Atletico star who is now considering his international future
Antoine Griezmann is reportedly questioning his international future after being snubbed for the France captaincy – with Kylian Mbappe preferred by Didier Deschamps.
France are currently without a captain after Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris announced he was retiring from international duty in January after December’s World Cup final defeat to Argentina, leaving the No 1 spot and captain’s armband up for grabs.
French outlet L’Equipe reported how after careful consideration of the nation’s remaining stars, Les Bleus boss Deschamps has chosen Mbappe to take on the huge responsibility.
And, according to Le Figaro, this decision has upset Griezmann, with the Atletico Madrid star viewing himself as a strong contender for the role.
The 32-year-old – who has racked up 117 caps for his country since making his debut in 2014, scoring 42 goals – has been an extremely loyal and reliable player for Deschamps.
Antoine Griezman (right) is reportedly questioning his international future after being snubbed for the France captaincy, with Kylian Mbappe (left) preferred by Didier Deschamps
The 32-year-old has racked up 117 France caps and felt he was a strong contender for the role
During the World Cup in Qatar at the end of last year, Griezmann even said: ‘I give everything for France and for Deschamps.’
The attacker has become a leader of the French team over recent years and shone with his displays in Qatar, but the report states he is hurt and upset by the decision by the France boss to give Mbappe the armband.
For Deschamps, it is reported he views Mbappe as a choice of ‘legitimacy’, perhaps due to his personality, performances in Qatar and the fact he is younger at 24-years-old and likely to be a firm part of France’s team for the next decade.
However, Griezmann felt his international experience, along with his loyalty to Deschamps and the fact he would be a less divisive choice among the French squad meant he should have been chosen.
He has also discovered a new lease of life over recent months with Atletico where he has been in fine form.
The report also states Griezmann did not hide his pain at France’s base at the national football centre in Clarefontaine after being snubbed.
With the retirements of senior players such as Hugo Lloris, Raphael Varane and Steve Mandanda, and the continued absence of the experienced Paul Pogba, Griezmann appreciates the changes that are taking place among the team.
While he still does remain close to many players of Deschamps’s squad, missing out on the captaincy has created doubts in his head about his international future.
The next week – which sees France take on the Netherlands and Republic of Ireland in Euro 2024 qualifying games – is likely to have a key part to play in whether he decides to continue with Les Bleus.
Griezmann has been a key man for Deschamps ever since making his debut for France in 2014
Experienced players like Raphael Varane (L) and Hugo Lloris (C) retired after the World Cup
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