France's Kylian Mbappe - AFP
DUSSELDORF: France captain Kylian Mbappe on Sunday admitted that he will not represent his country at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
“For the Olympics my club have a position which is very clear so that means I think I will not participate in the Olympics. That is how it is,” said Mbappe.
The 25-year-old, who is playing for the nation in the ongoing Euro 2024, has just signed for Real Madrid and will join the European champions for the new season under freedom of contract from Paris St Germain.
The men’s Olympics football tournament begins on July 24, with the final on Aug 9.
The Spanish season is due to start a week later, while Real are also due to play Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup in Warsaw on Aug 14.
“Joining a new team in September would not be the best way to begin my adventure,” admitted Mbappe, who had previously stated a wish to be able to play for Thierry Henry’s French Olympic team.
“I wish the best to the France team. I will of course watch all their games as a spectator rather than an actor, and I hope they bring back the gold medal.”
This week Lionel Messi confirmed he would also not go to the Olympics, turning down the chance to win the gold medal with Argentina for a second time. — AFP
