France legend faults Kylian Mbappe captaincy, Antoine Griezmann snub

Former France international Robert Pirès has reacted to the latest news from the national team camp.

Les Blues coach Didier Deschamps on Tuesday, confirmed Paris Saint Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe as the new captain of the France national team, with Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann appointed as his vice-captain.

However, Pires, 46, is not entirely convinced the armband should have been given to PSG’s free-scoring forward Kylian Mbappé.

The 24-year-old PSG star had been touted to be the next captain of the national team following former skipper Hugo Lloris’ retirement earlier this year.

Speaking to Franceinfo via GFFN, Pirès, a World Cup and European Championship winner with France, has expressed his surprise at seeing Mbappé given the France armband.

He said:  “A logical choice ? Honestly, no. Considering his longevity, what he’s done down the years, I was expecting it to be Griezmann.” The former Arsenal man did not hold back in his assessment.

 “Antoine is Didier’s stalwart, the one with the most caps in a row (74). It’s a lack of respect towards Antoine. Although I must stress I have nothing against Kylian.“

Following last night’s reports of Mbappe’s imminent captaincy, French publication L’Équipe also reported that Antoine Griezmann was potentially considering retiring from international football. 

The Atletico Madrid star is believed to have been disappointed with the decision, having believed he was next in line to succeed Lloris.

Pirès, who won France’s greatest titles with Deschamps as a teammate, said he would have given the armband to Griezmann until Euro 2024 before handing it to Mbappé ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

 “We must not forget what Antoine did at the last World Cup, where he was the best and the most consistent [France player].“

However, the 32-year-old former Barcelona forward will have to settle for the role of vice-captaincy instead.

Robert Emmanuel Pires is a French football coach and former professional player.

Pires played for French clubs Metz and Marseille prior to his time with Premier League club Arsenal, where he won three FA Cups and two Premier League titles including the club's unbeaten season of 2003–04.

Pires earned 79 caps for France between 1996 and 2004, including winning both the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000. 

He has been included in the PFA Team of the Year for the 2001–02, 2002–03 and 2003–04 seasons, and was the Player of the Tournament for the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup, FWA Player of the Year for the 2001–02 season, Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year for the 1995–96 season, and was included in the FIFA 100 by the great Pelé.

He was also voted by Arsenal fans as the 6th greatest player in the club's history.