Hard to take – Griezmann opens up on Mbappe being picked as France captain

Antoine Griezmann has admitted it was “hard to stomach” Didier Deschamps’ decision to make Kylian Mbappe captain of France national team ahead of him.

Griezmann was widely touted as the favourite to replace Hugo Lloris’ who retired after the 2022 World Cup.

But Deschamps opted to give the armband to Mbappe.

The decision reportedly took Griezmann by surprise and caused a temporary rift in the dressing room, with it even suggested that the Atletico Madrid forward might retire after the snub.

Speaking to Telefoot, Griezmann said: “It was hard to take, and tough. I’m 32 and, although I still have the legs, I know I’m reaching the end [of my career].

“I had a hard time stomaching it for one or two days.”