PSG and France star Kylian Mbappe strikes a pose for the cover of GQ Hype… as Les Bleus captain speaks on new leadership role and life after Lionel Messi and Neymar

Kylian Mbappe has spoken about his new role as France captain and life after Lionel Messi and Neymar at PSG, during a recent interview with GQ Hype.

In March 2023, the 25-year-old was presented with the national first team armband after former captain Hugo Lloris announced his international retirement.

This summer, Mbappe will lead his side at the 2024 European Championships, where he will attempt to win the tournament for the first time in his career.

Speaking to GQ Hype ahead of the tournament, Mbappe said: “We are one of the most highly anticipated teams at this tournament and we are ready and confident. We did very well in qualifying and now our goal is to win.

‘We have lost some great champions this year, some extremely important players like Hugo (Lloris) and Raphaël (Varane), but in the end the group has not been affected. That shows real cohesion and adaptability.’

In a recent interview with GQ, Kylian Mbappe spoke about his new role as France captain and life after Lionel Messi and Neymar at PSG

Mbappe will lead his national team at this summer’s European Championships

For the first time in his career, Mbappe will lead his national team in a tournament and before he does so, the forward reflected on his role within the team.

He explained: ‘The big difference with before is that my attention was really focused on my performance and what I could personally do for the team. Being a captain gives me a new, broader vision.’

During the same interview, Mbappe also reflected on his domestic affairs and how life at PSG has changed since the departures of Lionel Messi and Neymar.

World Cup winner Messi left for MLS side Inter Miami, while Neymar left for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal in the recent summer window.

Mbappe explained: “Many great players who shaped the history of football left Europe this summer and we are entering a new era.

“It has become part of the cycle of this sport and at some point it will be my turn to leave. I’m not worried about these changes. I’m just thinking about continuing my career and following my own path.

‘The desire to win, to push the boundaries of what is possible and to do great things is deeply ingrained in me. I think I owe this to the training and guidance I received both on and off the field, which has allowed me to develop myself as a player and as a man.’

The Frenchman reflected on Neymar (middle) and Messi (right)’s respective moves abroad

The French superstar is officially free to negotiate with foreign clubs from January 1 as he enters the final six months of his PSG deal.

Reports in France earlier this month suggested that Mbappe had agreed to a move to Real next season, just over 18 months after turning down a move to LaLiga and wanting to stay at the Parc des Princes.

But according to AfterFoot RMCPSG are ready to make the 25-year-old one of the highest-paid athletes in the world so he can entrust his future to the club.

Read the full article online at GQ hype now