His adaptation to Real Madrid, and his mental health
Kylian Mbappé made his dream come true by joining Madrid this summer. But the reality is not as sweet as the player would have hoped, despite 10 goals in 20 games. « The culture of a country can be learned, that’s what I’m doinghe explains. The day of my presentation, I placed a lot of emphasis on adaptation within the team and the club. When you say that, people say it’s false modesty. […] People see us as robots, but when you go a little deeper, you see that we are human beings like everyone else. » With less good shots, obviously. “I had tough battles to fight, sporting disappointments. I had times when I was tiredhe assumes, but we are not in depression. »
Obviously not as disturbed as one might think, number 9 merengue see you in spring: “It’s not the best start to the season, whether collective or individual, but we are in the running for all the trophies (the interview was carried out before the elimination in the Coupe du Roi, Editor’s note). We prepare for the moments that will count. We have already won the European Super Cup. We will play a final in one or two weeks to win a second trophy in three months (the Intercontinental Cup, December 18, Editor’s note). It’s not up to what we expected, but ultimately, it’s in the second half of the season that we expect you. This is where you will truly be judged. […] You are in the football pantheon. Go be the best with the best, that’s my motto. »
Me, citizen
Where most of his colleagues remain silent, Mbappé has sometimes dared to take a position on subjects such as police violence or the last legislative elections, in a context marked by the progression of the far right. Despite the criticism that has arisen from it, he does not intend to stop. “You represent a lot of things to people, you defend values. There are difficulties that we sometimes have to face, but we must never deny ourselves. No matter what happens, I’ll never deny myselfhe promises. I have always wanted to express myself as a citizen. Sometimes when you’re famous, you’re a bit trapped. When you don’t express yourself, it’s bad. When you express yourself, it’s bad. We are citizens like everyone else. You have a point of view, values that you defend and you go with that. »
“My own France is a France full of diversity, where we don’t put up barriers, where we let young people dream, in living togetherhe continues. In Bondy, we were all different. I grew up thinking that our differences unite us. I respond when I see things that touch me. I can’t be the one who doesn’t see. Sometimes, maybe the way got in the way, no one is perfect. But I cannot be blamed for not caring about my country, about what is happening at home. »
His relationship with the Blues and Didier Deschamps
“My love of the French team has not changed »insists the captain, while his image has been tarnished by the latest gatherings. “In club, I have never forgiven a tenth of what was done to me in the French teamhe says. People have lied about me many times. In the interest of the nation, I closed it, I turned my back. […] I was blamed for a lot of failures. I even gave my nose, what do you want me to give you? I never gave up on the France team. »
He also confirmed disagreements with Didier Deschamps since the Euro. « In September, I had a discussion with the coach. I asked him not to come. I had just arrived in Madrid, I was not 100% mentally. Coming when you are not 100% is a bit like taking ownership of the France team. I told him: “I’m not really into it, we had a super short vacation.” He insisted that I come, it didn’t go very well, but it’s the French team, you’re going. In October, I was injured. I was not at the heart of the discussions, it was talk between staff. […] November, I can’t say (why wasn’t I there). I wanted to go there. It’s a decision by the coach, I stand behind what he said. He doesn’t want it to be known, I totally respect his decision. » The coach is most likely delighted to have three months ahead of him before being grilled at a press conference.
Mbappé also spoke about the captaincy, ensuring that he would not have flinched if Deschamps had chosen Antoine Griezmann, who was “perfectly legitimate”. No whim to be able to wear the armband, therefore. The captain of the Blues also slipped in some meaningful words about the increased responsibility that comes with the role since he took on it. “I don’t have the same armband as Hugo (Lloris)he believes. I get asked a lot of things. Hugo was a very good captain, a very good guy, but I have the impression that I am being asked for another job. » To the wise.
His trip to Stockholm and the rape complaint
His Swedish escapade caused a stir in October. Even more so when the local press revealed that a rape complaint had been filed. Mbappé, however, responded with great confidence, and without any embarrassment. “I was surprisedhe confides. These are things that come into your life like that, without seeing them coming. I received nothing, no summons, nothing. I’m not concerned. It’s just a lack of understanding, it didn’t weigh on me as I don’t feel concerned. […] We must let it flow, let justice do its work. »
The Golden Ball
Kylian Mbappé will turn 26 on December 20. But still no Ballon d’or in his hunt. The Frenchman, who has never hidden his ambitions, has nevertheless ranked in the top 10 seven times, with a third place in 2023 as his best result. « Messi won the World Cup final. If I had won it, I would have had the Ballon d’orhe replies. I know what it takes to win it. Lots of things, on and off the field. Once I do whatever it takes to earn it, I will win it. » Getting your hands on the Champions League will be a good start.
His departure from PSG
Kylian Mbappé didn’t really leave Paris Saint-Germain as he would have wanted. The accounts are not yet settled. The attacker admits “conflicts with people, natural conflicts because I was defending my rights as a man, as a player”. He could also have given in and extended, for his brother Ethan. “His Real Madrid was PSG. It was his childhood dream. Indirectly, it was me who took that away from him. I apologized to him all the time. I told him: “If it really bothers you, I’ll extend it again and we’ll stay here.” He told me: “No, never in life, not after what they did to us.” I would have given up on my dream and stayed for him. Ethan, you don’t touch. » In this delicate context, the top scorer in the history of the capital club recognizes that he would have “could have been more expressive” towards the supporters.
« They don’t know everything that’s going on, sometimes they take it personally. They say to themselves: “Kylian, he doesn’t care, he doesn’t give a damn.” I’m sure people are saying that I never liked PSG »he laments, emphasizing his attachment to the red and blue jersey. Emir Tamim ben Hamad Al Thani reportedly had very warm words about him, such as: “You want to make your dream come true, go to Real Madrid, thank you for everything you have done for us. In addition you extended for the World Cup which was with us in Qatar, for that we will never thank you enough. » And Nasser al-Khelaïfi in all this? “He never let me go, I left on my ownreplies the player with a broad smile.But I wish them the best. I hope one day they will win the Champions League. The supporters, the people who suffer every day there, they deserve a little happiness. But not now, because I have to win it! »
Kylian Mbappé: “Luis Enrique and Luis Campos saved me”
