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France boss Didier Deschamps has cleared the air on Kylian Mbappe's exclusion from the squad for this month's UEFA Nations League fixtures.
Kylian Mbappe's omission from France's squad for UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel and Belgium has sparked controversy, with many questioning whether this was a classic club versus country situation.
The 25-year-old played for Real Madrid against Villarreal last weekend despite reportedly carrying a knock, leading some to wonder if he was fit enough to play for his club but not for the national team.
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23:01 - 08.10.2024
'Nobody is bigger than France' — FFF president addresses Mbappe's omission from Deschamps squad
The FFF president addressed the recent controversy surrounding Kylian Mbappe's omission from Didier Deschamps squad for this international break.
Deschamps defends decision to leave Mbappe out of France squad
Earlier this week, the president of the French Football Federation stoked rumours by insisting no player is bigger than the national team.
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However, France head coach Didier Deschamps has now stepped in to clear the air, insisting the decision to leave Mbappe out was entirely his own.
"Mbappe was not fit against Villarreal," Deschamps revealed to reporters ahead of Thursday's game against Israel.
"There was no request [from Real Madrid]. The decision is mine. He played the Villarreal game without being 100 per cent fit."
Deschamps' clarification aims to quash rumors that Real Madrid pressured him into leaving Mbappe out, allowing the player to focus on being 100% fit for the LaLiga giants.
By setting the record straight, the France boss hopes to shift the focus back to Les Bleus quest to win the UEFA Nations League again, 4 years after their triumph in 2021.
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