France’s head coach, Didier Deschamps, recently overlooked Griezmann and named Mbappe as the new captain of the Les Blues.
Following the retirement of Hugo Lloris, Karim Benzema and Raphael Varane from international duty, Griezmann was the obvious candidate to become the new skipper of France due to his experience as the most cap-tie player in Deschamps’ side.
But Mbappe was made the captain and Griezmann was named vice-captain, something that came as a disappointment to the Atletico Madrid forward.
“I spoke with Antoine. He was disappointed and that is understandable,” Mbappe said in a press conference transcribed by RMC Sport.
“It’s an expected reaction. I told him that I would have had the same reaction. He is perhaps the most important player during the Deschamps era.
“I am not his hierarchical superior. He and I will be hand in hand to try to allow his team to impose itself on a global level. If he has something to say to the group, I will sit down and listen.
“You must not shut the door to anyone. Everyone is free to express themselves.”
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