Kylian Mbappé Admits Poor Form, Ready to Help France Again

French captain Kylian Mbappé has not played for the national team since their 3-1 defeat to Italy in the Nations League last September. Now, ahead of France’s quarter-final match against Croatia in Split, the Real Madrid star has spoken honestly about his recent performances and promised to do better.

Mbappé’s last game for France was against Italy at Paris’s Parc des Princes – the stadium where he once played for PSG. In a press conference, Mbappé admitted he wasn’t at his best.

“I know exactly what I did well and what I didn’t,” he said, according to ESPN. “People were not happy with me – both on and off the pitch – and I wasn’t doing things properly.”

The 25-year-old said he’s open to criticism. “I have no problem questioning myself. If the criticism is fair and makes sense, I accept it.”

This is quite different from what he said six months ago when he brushed off outside opinions and claimed they were “the least of my worries.” At the time, he even said he didn’t care about the reaction from PSG fans after his dramatic exit from the club.

Despite the tough times, Mbappé is still a key player for France. He has scored 48 goals for the national team, making him the third-highest scorer in France’s history. His brilliant form with Real Madrid continues too – he has scored 31 goals in 44 games this season and is among the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or.

“I feel good now,” Mbappé said. “I’m happy to play football and happy to be here with the France team. I just want to help us win.”

France will play Croatia tonight in the Nations League quarter-finals. Mbappé will be hoping to get back to scoring for his country, while also teaming up again with his old PSG teammate, Ousmane Dembélé, who is currently the top scorer in France’s Ligue 1.

Les Bleus are aiming for victory, and Mbappé is ready to lead them.