Kylian Mbappe confirms he was the one who asked Didier Deschamps to be substituted. France beat Portugal on penalties in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on Friday, sending the French side into the semi-finals against Spain on Tuesday.
However, French media and French fans did not stop creating drama about the 25-year-old striker being substitute in the 105th minute of the match.
“At the end of the game, in normal time, UFABET we (himself and coach Didier Deschamps) had a little chat,” Mbappe said.
“We decided to continue playing but after the first half (extra time) I told him I didn’t feel that way anymore, I felt very tired.
“I don’t think you should dwell on it. When you’re the captain you have to be involve and there for your teammates. I’ve always said before the game that whatever happens, the important thing is that we get the win.
“People think it’s a joke, but this is us. I only scored one goal, but we reached the semi-finals, so I’m still very happy.”
However, Deschamps came to his player’s defence and pointed to what Mbappe has already achieved on the field.
“Don’t you think he has already made enough history with what he has done so far?” the coach told French television show Ufabet TV. “He wants to make even more history.
“We did everything we could with him, with the medical staff, to get him to be here. During the preparation, he had a little back problem, too, but Kylian is here.”