June 17, (THEWILL)- Football superstar, Kylian Mbappe, has confirmed he will not represent France at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games due to opposition from his new club, Real Madrid. The 25-year-old striker had previously expressed a desire to play at his home Olympics but has had to shelve those plans.
Mbappe’s omission from France’s preliminary 25-man Olympic squad earlier this month provided the first indication that he would miss the tournament. While head coach Thierry Henry left the door open initially, Mbappe revealed on Sunday that Real Madrid’s stance had made his participation impossible.
“My club’s position was very clear, so from that moment on, I think I knew I won’t be taking part in the Games,” Mbappe told reporters ahead of France’s Euro 2024 match against Austria. “That’s just the way it is, and I understand that too. I’m joining a new team in September, so it’s not the best way to start an adventure.”
Despite the disappointment, Mbappe struck a philosophical tone and vowed to support the French Olympic team from afar. “I’m going to wish this French team all the best. I’m going to watch every game. I hope they’ll win the gold medal,” he said. The men’s Olympic football tournament kicks off on July 24 and concludes on August 9.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
