Kylian Mbappe expressed his joy on Wednesday at reuniting with his fellow France team-mates as he gears up to earn his first international cap in six months, facing Croatia in the Nations League quarter-finals.
“I feel good, I feel happy to be playing football, and I’m thrilled to be here,” stated the France captain at a press conference in Split.
The 26-year-old was sidelined for two matches in October due to injury and another two in November, when coach Didier Deschamps decided to rest him during a challenging chapter as he adjusted to life at his new club, Real Madrid.
However, with the first leg of the tie against Croatia approaching on Thursday, Mbappe is “overjoyed to be back with the squad.”
“Most of the team members here are in constant contact. I holiday with some of them. It’s a pleasure to be back.”
“While the situation might have seemed unclear to those outside, it has always been straightforward for us internally,” he added.
The 2018 World Cup champion made the much-anticipated switch to Real Madrid last summer, but he admitted to facing challenges in regaining his prime form with the reigning Spanish and European champions.
Last autumn, Mbappe found himself embroiled in controversy when Swedish media reported a rape investigation that allegedly mentioned his name. However, the Swedish courts eventually closed the case in December without any charges being brought against anyone.
“A career isn’t a straight path. You need to refocus on what brings you joy and get back to work. If I had the chance to do things differently? I would have performed better,” reflected Mbappe while considering the year 2024.
France will face Croatia in Split on Thursday before returning to host the second leg three days later at the Stade de France in Paris.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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