French President Emmanuel Macron wants European clubs, particularly Real Madrid, to allow their players – led by Kylian Mbappe – to play in the Paris Games.
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MACRON PRESSURES MADRID TO RELEASE MBAPPE FOR OLYMPICS
Macron wants the top players from European teams – including Mbappe – to be released for this year’s Olympics.
The French leader wants France star Mbappe to lead the home team in the Olympic men’s football tournament – if Madrid allows it.
Madrid and other European clubs should release their players in FIFA’s international windows – but the Olympics is not one of them.
“I think that European clubs need to play the game so that we can put on a great show,” Macron told RMC Sport.
The men’s European Championship is set in June and July this summer, just weeks before the Olympic tournament starts.
MACRON HOPES MADRID LETS MBAPPE PLAY IN PARIS
Macron later directly pointed to Real Madrid regarding his previous statement.
“Exactly. When I said European clubs, that is what I meant (Mbappe being allowed by Real Madrid),” he said.
“I haven’t spoken with him (Mbappe) but I hope that his club in particular lets him,” the French leader added.
Mbappe’s contract with Paris Saint Germain ends in June before he transfers to Real Madrid this summer.
MBAPPE OPEN TO PLAYING FOR FRANCE IN OLYMPICS
Mbappe intended to represent France in the Olympics when he was still in negotiations with Madrid at the time, ESPN reported.
The 25-year-old has expressed his desire to play in Paris but his hands are tied.
“It doesn’t depend on me,” Mbappe said.
Madrid is not keen on allowing other players to play in Paris, including French internationals Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Meanwhile, Antoine Griezmann hopes Atletico Madrid release him for the Games.
Griezmann told French outlet Le Parisien that he will “do everything” to represent his home nation for the Olympics.
