Didier Deschamps picked Kylian Mbappe as his new captain this week, with that decision coming as a disappointment to Antoine Griezmann.
Kylian Mbappe claimed Antoine Griezmann was disappointed to have been snubbed for the France captaincy, but insisted he is not superior to any other player in the squad.
Hugo Lloris, who retired from international football in January, will be replaced as captain by Mbappe, according to Didier Deschamps, head coach of France. Griezmann has been named as Mbappe's backup.
Mbappe has earned 66 caps for Les Blues, compared to Griezmann's 117, but the Atletico Madrid attacker is eight years his senior.
Rumors from France this week stated Griezmann did not take the news well, claiming he was better suited to the task, and Mbappe can see why his team-mate was disappointed at the decision.
"I spoke with Antoine. He was sad and it's normal," Mbappe remarked during a press conference on Thursday. "I told him that I would have had the same reaction.
"He is possibly the player who has been the most crucial in the Deschamps period. Yet I am not his superior. We shall be hand in hand, he and I, to strive to make this French team reign at world level.
"We must not close the door to anyone. Everyone is free to express themselves," the group leader said. "If he has something to say in front of the group, I will sit down and listen."
The first Euro 2024 qualifying match against the Netherlands will be Mbappe's first responsibility as captain on Friday at the Stade de France.
Mbappe "ticks all the boxes" to lead the team, according to Deschamps, who also noted that Griezmann is more than willing to contribute. Mbappe was given the armband by Deschamps.
"I had chats [with Griezmann], but I will not go into details," he told reporters. "I can promise you that Antoine, since Monday, has been smiling.
"That he was disappointed at the moment, that is legitimate. But that stopped there.
"From what I see, everyone has the same ambition in relation to the group. Antoine is vice-captain; he has a significant position like he always had."
Mbappe, who has previously led PSG as captain on occasion, doesn't think the new position will change the way he plays.
"I'm not going to change," he said. "I will always do what my coach wants me. A good captain is someone focused on the team, who is able to unite.
It's beyond cool. I'm captain of my country. I will naturally assume this new duty as it is mine. It won't affect how I play, but it might affect how I act.
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