Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has broken his social media silence after being omitted from the latest France squad.
In the upcoming international break, France will resume their UEFA Nations League campaign with matches against Israel and Italy.
Manager Didier Deschamps named his 23-man squad for the camp on Thursday but to the shock of everyone, Mbappe's name was nowhere to be found.
Reports later emerged that Mbappe has rejected the chance to play for his country.
Advert
French journalist Romain Molina suggested that the 25-year-old has decided that he no longer wants to play for France due to the current situation he finds himself in.
However, Deschamps himself said Mbappe did want to join the team, he said during a press conference: "What I can tell you are these two things; one, that Kylian wanted to come. And two, it's not the extra sporting problems that come into play since the presumption of innocence exists and must exist.
"It's a one-off choice for this gathering."
On Friday night, Mbappe took to social media to post a message to Madrid fans ahead of the team's La Liga match against Osasuna.
The Frenchman posted a picture of the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu and a photo of the squad, with a caption that read: "Madridistas, see you tomorrow, we go together as always. Hala Madrid!"
Mbappe has had a tough start to life in Madrid after his high profile free transfer from Paris Saint Germain in the summer.
Speaking recently, France legend Thierry Henry claimed Mbappe has also contributed to teammate Jude Bellingham's dip in form.
He said: "It’s almost always Bellingham that tries to make the runs, makes the team play. He is still the one who tries to break the lines. Who is running and trying to get to the finish line? It’s Bellingham that is doing Mbappe’s job. This can happen from time to time, but not all the time.
"Do you think Bellingham likes to do these runs to stretch the team? He does it because he has the desire and the will to do it. You have to give him time, but he must learn to play as a 9 and have the desire and the will to do so. I think the team is frustrated with him, which I can understand."
Topics: Kylian Mbappe, France, Didier Deschamps, Real Madrid, Football
Marcus Chan