Without naming Kylian Mbappé (27), Ousmane Dembélé (29) hit back at the France captain’s “chosen one” comments on Sunday night in an interview with Ligue 1 Plus. Mbappé, L’Équipe understands, has been left somewhat surprised by the retort.
Both Mbappé and Dembélé have been nominated for this year’s Ballon d’Or, which will be awarded in London next month. The latter currently holds the title, whilst the former is a player who was always expected to win the award. However, at the age of 27, the Real Madrid forward has yet to do so. Dembélé, in contrast, has, and Mbappé was asked about his compatriot in an interview with France Football. “He has always been seen as a talented player; I have always been seen as the chosen one,” he said.
Advertisement
A measured and considered response from Dembélé
These public comments have not sat well with Dembélé and his camp, despite the long-standing friendship between the two former Paris Saint-Germain teammates. Some within Dembélé’s camp even had some harsh words for Mbappé, L’Équipe understands. Dembélé then responded in an interview with Ligue 1 Plus. “I have always been at the back of the class, working hard. In my whole career, I haven’t said a word. I have worked a lot. As I said, I was never the chosen one, but I worked and, last year, I was rewarded for a fantastic year with PSG, and this year, we will see, without pressure, calm,” said the PSG forward.
It is now Mbappé’s turn to be surprised. It is not the first time that Dembélé has been irked by a comment made by his compatriot, but unlike on previous occasions, this time he responded. RMC Sport even understands that it is PSG and Dembélé who instigated a response, by insisting in his Ligue 1 Plus interview that a question on the Ballon d’Or be posed by the interviewer. The two players are yet to speak, despite trading remarks in the media. The pair may have to clear the air, however, with the international break coming up.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
Read the full article here