Kylian Mbappe opens up on 'complicated' Antoine Griezmann relationship amid France captaincy feud claims
Published 19/03/2025 at 11:05 GMT
Kylian Mbappe admitted to having a "complicated" relationship with former France team-mate Antoine Griezmann amid allegations of historic tension between the pair. Griezmann, who plays for Atletico Madrid, announced his retirement from the French national team in September, having made 137 appearances, netted 44 goals and won the 2018 FIFA World Cup alongside Mbappe.
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Kylian Mbappe admitted to having a "complicated" relationship with former France team-mate Antoine Griezmann, but refuted the suggestion he was responsible for the Atletico Madrid star’s retirement from international football.
In September, Griezmann announced his retirement from the French national team, having made 137 appearances, netted 44 goals and played an integral role in the side that won the FIFA World Cup in 2018.
Despite Mbappe hailing Griezmann as one of the greats of French football upon the 33-year-old’s retirement, the Real Madrid star was accused by sections of the press of being responsible for his compatriot’s decision to quit.
Such speculation stemmed from Mbappe being selected as France captain ahead of Griezmann in 2023 following the retirement of goalkeeper Huge Lloris.
In a conversation with Le Parisien, Mbappe admitted that his relationship with Griezmann was "complicated", but insisted the pair were on "good" terms.
"We often talk with Antoine," Mbappe said. "I love his son, he's a football fanatic, he reminds me a bit of myself when I was little. I love him, Amaro.
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"But after that, it's true that it's complicated because we're in a city where our two teams are real rivals.
"But I can assure you, we have a very good relationship with Antoine.
"He's already invited me to his house quite a few times for a barbecue. It hasn't happened yet, but we're sure to get there. We live next door, in the same building."
The Madrid forward further claimed that he was aware of Griezmann's retirement decision before it was formally announced.
He added: "Not only did I know he was going to quit, but he also explained why. But it's always the same, it's his decision, only he can explain to you why he made that choice."
Having missed the last two international breaks, Mbappe is back in the France squad ahead of Les Bleus’ two-legged UEFA Nations League quarter-final clash against Croatia on March 20 and 23.
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