How Antoine Griezmann Reacted After Kylian Mbappe Was Named France Captain

• Kylian Mbappe has been named the new captain of the France national team
• While Atletico Madrid marksman Antoine Griezmann has been named as vice-captain
• Mbappe has scored 36 goals for Les Bleus in 66 appearances, including netting eight goals at the 2022 FIFA World Cup

Kylian Mbappe has opened up about his discussion with Antoine Griezmann after he was named captain of the France national team.

The 24-year-old was on Tuesday appointed as the skipper of Les Bleus, following the retirements of Hugo Lloris and Raphael Varane.

According to ESPN, the decision by head coach Didier Deschamps to name Mbappe as captain has left the Atletico Madrid forward disappointed.

Speaking about the mood of Griezmann, Mbappe admitted the decision did not sit well with his compatriot.

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“I spoke with Antoine [Griezmann]. He was disappointed and it’s understandable," the PSG record goal scorer said as quoted by PSG Report.

He continued: "I told him that I would have had the same reaction. He is perhaps the most important player of the Deschamps era. I am not his superior.”

Mbappe also added he will share his responsibility as leader of the team with Griezmann, who doubles as his deputy after the recent appointments by Deschamps.

“We will be hand in hand with him and me to try to make this French team reign at the world level. If he has something to say in front of the group, I sit down and listen. We must not close the door to anyone. Everyone is free to express themselves.”

Mbappe will hope to begin his era as captain of the two-time world champions on a winning note when France host the Netherlands at Stade de France on Friday, March 24.

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Mbappe named France captain

Sports Brief earlier reported that Kylian Mbappe became one of the youngest national team captains after being selected as the preferred candidate to take over from retired goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

France manager Didier Deschamps selected the 24-year-old ahead of fellow contender and Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann, who was also in line for the captaincy.

The French national coach hailed the PSG forward and said that one of his best qualities was excelling at communication and all his other attributes.