Kylian Mbappe has expressed his joy at rejoining the French national team as he prepares to make his first international appearance in six months in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal against Croatia.
“I feel good; I feel happy to be playing football; I feel happy to be here,” said the 26-year-old France captain at a press conference in Split on Wednesday.
Mbappe missed two international matches in October due to injury and was left out of the squad for two more in November, as coach Didier Deschamps opted to rest him during a challenging period in his transition to Real Madrid.
However, ahead of Thursday’s first-leg encounter, he was enthusiastic about his return.
“I’m delighted to be back with the group. Most of the teammates who are here, talk pretty much all the time. I go on holiday with some of them. It’s a pleasure to be here,” he said. “The situation may have been unclear to people outside, but it’s always been clear internally.”
Mbappe’s long-anticipated transfer to Real Madrid last summer saw him struggle to find his best form for the reigning Spanish and European champions.
The French forward was also briefly embroiled in controversy last autumn when Swedish media linked his name to a rape investigation. However, the case was dropped in December without any charges being filed.
With the off-field challenges behind him, Mbappe is focused on leading France against Croatia in Split on Thursday before the return leg at the Stade de France in Paris three days later.
The World Cup winner will be eager to make an impact as Les Bleus continue their pursuit of Nations League glory.
