Griezmann admits Mbappe captaincy call was ‘hard to stomach’

Antoine Griezmann has confessed to struggling with Didier Deschamps’ decision to appoint Kylian Mbappe as the captain of France, stating that it was “hard to stomach.”

Initially considered the frontrunner to succeed Hugo Lloris as the national team captain, Griezmann was surprised when Deschamps instead bestowed the armband upon Paris Saint-Germain sensation Mbappe.

The unexpected decision caused a temporary rift within the team, with speculations even arising that Griezmann might contemplate retirement following the snub. Griezmann acknowledged that accepting Deschamps’ rationale was challenging, but he has since moved past the incident.

“It was tough and hard to take. I’m 32 years old, and while I still have the physical capabilities, I’m aware that my career is entering its final stages,” Griezmann shared with Telefoot. “For one or two days, I found it difficult to come to terms with.”

However, Griezmann harbors no ill will towards his teammate, stating, “I fully support our captain Kylian. I won’t change anything because that’s who I am.”