Mbappe Cheers For France's Olympic Gold Despite Missing Out On Squad

Kylian Mbappe has confirmed he will not participate in the upcoming Paris Olympics, expressing hope that France will secure the gold medal in his absence. The forward, set to join Real Madrid on June 30, was excluded from Thierry Henry's provisional 25-man squad for the Games, which commence on July 24, just ten days after the Euro 2024 final.

Mbappe had initially aimed to be one of Les Bleus' three overage players permitted in the primarily under-23 event. However, Real Madrid decided against allowing their players who are already involved in the European Championship or Copa America to participate. "My club's position was very clear, so from that moment on, I think I won't be taking part in the games," Mbappe told reporters ahead of France's Euro 2024 opener against Austria. "That's just the way it is, and I understand that too. I'm joining a new team in September, so it's not the best way to start an adventure."

Mbappe added, "Now, I think I'm going to wish this French team all the best. I'm going to watch every game. Of course, as a fan, things will change. I hope they'll bring home the gold medal."

Les Bleus have arrived in Düsseldorf

Mbappe's focus is now on helping France achieve a record-equalling third European Championship title in Germany. The 25-year-old, who missed training earlier this week, provided an update on his fitness. "I think the most important thing is not necessarily the physical, but the mental," he said. "How far I'm willing to go to win, that's the most important thing. I'm ready to win; it's more of a mental issue. My head is perfect; now let's see how my legs are."

He emphasised the importance of being fully committed to their mission: "The most important thing is to be connected and to be fully invested in the mission we have, which is to win the match."