Didier Deschamps' preference for Kylian Mbappe over Antoine Griezmann for the France captaincy has caused Griezmann to apparently ponder his future in international competition.
Hugo Lloris, the goalkeeper for Tottenham, announced his retirement from international competition following France's World Cup final loss to Argentina in December, leaving the No. 1 position and captain's role open for competition.
After carefully weighing the nation's remaining players, Les Bleus manager Deschamps reportedly chose Mbappe to assume the enormous duty, according to French outlet L'Equipe.
Le Figaro reports that Griezmann is furious about this choice because he sees himself as a serious candidate for the position and plays for Atletico Madrid.
The 32-year-old has been a steadfast and trustworthy player for Deschamps, earning 117 caps for his nation since his debut in 2014 and tallying 42 goals in the process.
Griezmann even uttered the following words during the World Cup in Qatar at the end of last year: "I give everything for France and for Deschamps."
The article claims that the forward, who has emerged as a leader of the French team in recent years and starred in Qatar, is offended and angry by the decision to give Mbappe the armband.
According to reports, Deschamps sees Mbappe as an option with "legitimacy," possibly because of his personality, his performances in Qatar, and the fact that he is younger than Deschamps at 24 years old and is likely to be a key member of France's team for the ensuing ten years.
Griezmann believed he should have been selected due to his international experience, commitment to Deschamps, and the fact that he would be a less divisive pick within the French team.
In recent months, he has also found a fresh lease on life with Atletico, where he has been in excellent form.
Griezmann was reportedly upset after being passed over at France's base at the national football center at Clarefontaine, according to the article.
Griezmann recognizes the team's changes as a result of the retirements of veteran players like Hugo Lloris, Raphael Varane, and Steve Mandanda as well as the ongoing absence of the seasoned Paul Pogba.
While he still has friendships with many members of Deschamps' team, not being selected as captain has caused him to have second thoughts about continuing to play for his country.
If he decides to stay with Les Bleus, his decision will likely be heavily influenced by the upcoming week's Euro 2024 qualifying matches, which will see France play both the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland.
blogpay
