The head of the French French Football Federation (FFF), Philippe Diallo, has told L’Équipe that he was informed of Didier Deschamps’ decision to not select Kylian Mbappé (25) for the upcoming international break, prior to it becoming public.
Mbappé reportedly did not want to attend the France camp in September but ultimately did so. However, he was absent in October. The former Paris Saint-Germain forward had been recovering from injury and his absence was explained by a need to return to full fitness. That argument, however, lost credit when Mbappé started in Real Madrid’s final La Liga game before the break.
During that international break, he made a controversial trip to Sweden, and since that trip, he is also at the centre of reports that he is the subject of a rape investigation. Mbappé’s lawyer hit back at allegations on national TV. Diallo and the FFF, though following developments, are yet to comment.
It was expected, however, that Mbappé would link up with Les Bleus later this month, with UEFA Nations League encounters against Italy and Israel upcoming. However, he was a shock omission from Deschamps’ squad. Diallo was informed prior.
Mbappé wanted to link up with France – Diallo
“When Didier took the decision, I was informed. The reasons? Those that have already been evoked by Didier, who considered it neither in the interest of player, nor of the team at this moment in time. It has nothing to do with judicial considerations, as I have seen mentioned here and there,” said Diallo.
Diallo then offered his support to Mbappé, adding that he hopes he will make a swift return to the national team set-up. “I especially hope that he can come back as quickly as possible to bring what he has already brought to the France team. He is an immense player who is in a delicate period, which can happen. I hope he can return to his best level soon,” said the FFF president, who continued by affirming that Mbappé did in fact want to join up with Les Bleus this time around.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
