Pires: Mbappe taking France captaincy direspectful towards Griezmann
Kylian Mbappe being named France captain shows a ‘lack of RESPECT’ to Antoine Griezmann, claims Robert Pires, saying he is ‘surprised’ at Didier Deschamps’ decision… with the Atletico Madrid star contemplating RETIRING
- Kylian Mbappe was picked over Antoine Griezmann as the next France captain
- Griezmann is now said to be upset and close to retiring from the Les Bleus side
- Ex-France star Robert Pires believes the decision shows direspect to Griezmann
Robert Pires has hit out at Didier Deschamps’ decision to hand Kylian Mbappe the France captaincy – claiming it shows ‘a lack of respect’ towards Antoine Griezmann.
Mbappe was picked to lead Les Bleus after goalkeeper Hugo Lloris retired from international duty, with Griezmann – who has picked up 117 caps since making his debut in 2014 – named as his vice-captain.
The Atletico Madrid forward is said to be ‘hurt’ and ‘upset’ that Mbappe was given the armband over him and is considering whether to retire from France duty as a result.
Former Les Bleus and Arsenal star Pires sympathises with the 32-year-old, stressing he was surprised Deschamps opted to pick Mbappe instead.
When asked if he thought Mbappe was the right choice, Pires told L’Equipe: ‘A logical choice? Honestly, no. Considering the longevity, the years gone by, I was expecting it to be Griezmann who was nominated.
Kylian Mbappe being named France skipper is disrespectful towards Antoine Griezmann, claims Robert Pires
Pires said he was ‘surprised’ at the decision because of Griezmann’s ‘longevity’ in the team
‘I am surprised. It’s a lack of respect for Antoine I find, even if – I insist – I have nothing against Kylian.’
Pires – who played 79 times for France, scoring 14 times and winning the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championships – added that Griezmann should have been given the captaincy now and then Mbappe should have taken over in two years.
Speaking this week, Deschamps said Mbappe had all the skills to excel as the next France skipper.
‘I think if he has one quality, in addition to all his other qualities, it’s that he’s someone who is pretty good, very good at communication,’ he continued.
‘So, I don’t think that’s a problem on that side.’
France boss Didier Deschamps said Mbappe had the qualities to thrive as captain this week
PSG star Mbappe was France’s top scorer at the recent World Cup in Qatar, where they finished second to winners Argentina and he is set to lead his side in their upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against the Netherlands and Republic of Ireland.
But France now have a reported rift to deal with after Griezmann was left upset by being overlooked as captain.
French outlet Le Figaro claimed he viewed himself as a strong contender for the role and is ‘hurt’ to miss out.
Griezmann is said to belive 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.
Griezmann – who has racked up 117 France caps – is said to be ‘hurt’ to be overlooked as skipper
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 in Deschamps’s squad, missing out on the captaincy has created doubts in his head about his international future.
The coming games against Netherlands and Ireland are set to play a key role in whether Griezmann continues to play for France.
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