France star says team 'can't play anymore in training' due to 'horrible' N'Golo Kante ahead of Euro 2024 opening game
French forward Marcus Thuram has lauded former Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante for his performances during training with the national team at the ongoing European Championships. France are set to face Austria in their tournament opener on Monday, June 17, at the Merkur Spiel-Arena.
During the pre-match press conference, Thuram stated that N'Golo Kante is in stellar form. He also affirmed that playing against the former Chelsea midfielder is difficult, even in training. He said (via AP):
"I have never seen anything like it, it's horrible, it's horrible, we can't play anymore, we can't play in training anymore. As soon as we have him on our team we know we have won."
The Inter Milan forward also stated that N'Golo Kante has shown the France squad why he was one of the best midfielders in the world. Thuram added:
"But more seriously, N'Golo is incredible and I think that in one week he reminded us why he was one of the best midfielders in the world. I think we are very happy to have him with us."
Kante played a crucial role in Didier Deschamps' 2018 FIFA World Cup-winning squad. The Frenchman was called up for the national team ahead of the 2024 European Championships after being away from international football for two years. He also started in France's warm-up friendlies against Luxembourg and Canada earlier this month.
Kylian Mbappe confirms he won't play for France at 2024 Olympics
Kylian Mbappe has confirmed that he won't be participating in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. The 25-year-old is leading France in the ongoing 2024 Euro Championships. However, he won't be a part of the French squad for the Olympics. He said (via AFP):
"For the Olympics my club has a position which is very clear so that means I think I will not participate in the Olympics. That is how it is. Joining a new team in September would not be the best way to begin my adventure."
Mbappe added:
"I wish the best to the France team. I will of course watch all their games as a spectator rather than an actor, and I hope they bring back the gold medal."
Kylian Mbappe recently joined La Liga giants Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as a free agent. The men's football competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics is scheduled from July 24 to August 9.
Meanwhile, the 2024–25 La Liga season is set to start on Friday, August 16. Moreover, Real Madrid will face Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup in Warsaw, Poland, on August 14.