Kylian Mbappe taking France captaincy shows direspect towards Antoine Griezmann, claims Robert Pires

The appointment of Kylian Mbappe as France captain shows a “lack of RESPECT” for Antoine Griezmann, claims Robert Pires, saying he is “shocked” by Didier Deschamps’ decision… with the Atletico Madrid star contemplating RETIRE

  • Kylian Mbappe was chosen over Antoine Griezmann as the next France captain
  • Griezmann is now said to be upset and close to retiring from Les Bleus’ side.
  • Former France star Robert Pires believes the decision shows a lack of respect towards Griezmann

Robert Pires has criticized Didier Deschamps’ decision to hand Kylian Mbappe the France captaincy, claiming it shows a “lack of respect” towards Antoine Griezmann.

Mbappé was chosen to lead Les Bleus after goalkeeper Hugo Lloris retired from international duty, with Griezmann, who has made 117 appearances since making his debut in 2014, named as his vice-captain.

The Atletico Madrid striker is “hurt” and “upset” that Mbappe was given the armband and is considering retiring from France duty as a result.

Former Les Bleus and Arsenal star Pires is sympathetic to the 32-year-old and stresses he was surprised Deschamps opted to pick Mbappe instead.

Asked if he thought Mbappe was the right choice, Pires replied: “A logical choice? Honestly no. Given longevity, years gone by, I expected Griezmann to be the one nominated.

The appointment of Kylian Mbappé as France captain is a lack of respect for Antoine Griezmann, says Robert Pires

Pires said he was

Pires said he was “surprised” by the decision due to Griezmann’s “longevity” in the team

‘I’m surprised. It seems to me a lack of respect for Antoine, even if, I insist, I have nothing against Kylian.

Pires, who played 79 times for France, scored 14 times and won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, added that Griezmann should have been given the captaincy from time to time when Mbappé should have taken over in two years.

Speaking this week, Deschamps said Mbappe had all the skills to excel as France’s next captain.

“I think if he has one quality, on top of all his other qualities, it’s that he’s pretty good, very good at communication,” he continued.

‘So, I don’t think that’s a problem on that side.’

France boss Didier Deschamps said Mbappe had the qualities to thrive as captain this week.

France boss Didier Deschamps said Mbappe had the qualities to thrive as captain this week.


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