Kylian Mbappé (27, Real Madrid) confessed to having a complicated relationship with Antoine Griezmann (34, Atlético Madrid).

The British 'Daily Mail' reported on the 19th (Korean time) that "Kylian Mbappé acknowledged that his relationship with former French national team teammate Antoine Griezmann is 'complicated.'"

Griezmann made his debut for the French national team in a friendly match against the Netherlands in 2014. He contributed to France's runner-up finish at Euro 2016, and during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, he scored four goals and helped lead France to become world champions. Notably, he played a crucial role by successfully converting a penalty in the final against Croatia. Although he took on a deep role in the midfield at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the team lost to Argentina in a penalty shootout.

Griezmann has appeared in a total of 137 matches for the French national team, scoring 44 goals. His last match for France was during the Nations League, and after a loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 semifinal, his international career came to an end. Griezmann also experienced victory in the UEFA Nations League in 2021, having played a pivotal role in the French national team.

Currently serving as the captain of the French national team, Kylian Mbappé faced some criticism after Griezmann announced his retirement from the national team in September of last year. French media raised suspicions that Mbappé's appointment as captain influenced the background of Griezmann's retirement. After Hugo Lloris stepped down from the national team in 2023, the French Football Association appointed Mbappé as the new captain instead of Griezmann.

This has led to rumors of conflict within the French national team ahead of Euro 2024. However, in a recent interview, Mbappé stated he had already spoken with Griezmann and resolved misunderstandings. He acknowledged understanding Griezmann's disappointment at missing out on the captaincy.

The French national team is preparing for the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal against Croatia, and Mbappé recently reiterated his stance on his relationship with Griezmann in an interview with 'Le Parisien.'

According to the report from the Daily Mail, Mbappé said, "I often talk to Griezmann, and I really like his son. That kid is a soccer fanatic. He reminds me of my childhood. He's just adorable."

He added, "But the fact that we belong to rival teams does complicate our relationship. Real Madrid and Atlético have a fierce rivalry."

Mbappé stated, "What’s certain is that I maintain a really good relationship with Antoine. He has invited me over to his house several times for barbecues. It hasn't happened yet, but there will be an opportunity soon. We live in the same building."

Mbappé also revealed that he was aware of Griezmann's retirement from the national team in advance. He said, "I not only knew that Griezmann would retire, but I was also informed about why he made that decision."

He continued, "Ultimately, this is Griezmann's personal decision. Only he can explain why he made that choice," effectively closing the door on further controversy.

Mbappé's comments seem aimed at quelling rumors of discord within the French national team. However, it is undeniable that the rivalry between the two players' clubs and the controversy surrounding the captaincy have had subtle effects on their relationship.

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