Kylian Mbappe says he wants to represent France at the Paris Olympics but explained he does not have the final say in the matter.
The Athletic reported this month a number of stakeholders in French football have attempted to convince the Paris Saint-Germain forward to compete at this summer’s Games.
However, because the Olympics takes place outside an official window for international football, FIFA rules state clubs are not obliged to release players for the tournament.
“I’ve always had the same ambition. I’ve always said that the Games in Paris is special, and I wanted to be there,” Mbappe said. “I know also that it’s an event that doesn’t depend on me.
“Has my ambition changed? No. Is the final decision with the same person? Yes. But if I’m not allowed to, then I will do as I’m told. The decision is still up to one person and they haven’t told me yes or no.
“I’m at a moment in my life and career where I’m taking perspective on situations that I face. If I’m told yes or no I will accept it, I will do as I’m told.”
Asked who would tell him “yes or no”, Mbappe replied: “PSG, the club under which I am contracted. We haven’t discussed it.”
The Athletic reported in February Mbappe has told PSG he will leave the club at the end of this season when his contract expires. The 25-year-old has been in negotiations with Real Madrid.
The Olympics begins on July 24, just 10 days after the conclusion of Euro 2024, and Real Madrid’s position is that players who play at this summer’s European Championship or Copa America should not play at the Olympics.
Mbappe said “nothing is done” regarding where he will play his football next season, but added he hoped the situation would be resolved before the Euros.
“I have nothing to announce because I have nothing to announce,” he said. “I have always said when there is something to say I will come back as a man and I will speak. As long as nothing is done, I have nothing to announce.”
He continued: “I will be concentrated on the French team, the Euros are my priority. I think it will be resolved by then. The most important thing at the moment is the national team.”
Teams participating in the men’s football tournament at the Olympics consist of under-23 sides, with up to three overage players permitted. France’s side is managed by Thierry Henry.
(Franck Fife/AFP via Getty Images)
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