"I don’t want to represent a country that doesn’t correspond to my values" - Kylian Mbappe delivers anti-right wing message to French voters
Kylian Mbappe has given a strong anti-right statement to urge voters back in France to make an informed political choice. Speaking to the press ahead of France's opening game in Euro 2024 against Austria, Mbappe said there are things that are more important than the game that should be discussed.
“The game tomorrow is very important. I think that I am well placed to say and I’ve said it until I’m blue in the face, but there is a situation that is even more important than the game," Kylian Mbappe said. (via The Guardian)
The Real Madrid star also added that he agrees with Marcus Thuram's stance on the current situation of French politics, stating that he "shares his opinion" while speaking of "diversity, tolerance and respect."
"Kylian Mbappé is against extreme views and against ideas that divide people. I want to be proud to represent France, I don’t want to represent a country that doesn’t correspond to my values, or our values,” the Frenchman added.
Kylian Mbappe's statements come after French president Emmanuel Macron made a shocking announcement to call for a snap parliamentary election after he was defeated by Marine Le Pen’s right-wing party in the European Union vote last week.
Macron's move has put France in a state of political uncertainty as the results could reportedly go in favor of the right wing and weaken his rule three years before its end. The French football federation called for neutrality from the national team on Saturday (June 15) but players are still free to express their views.
Kylian Mbappe says that the current generation can "make a difference" for the future of France
Speaking ahead of France's clash against Austria in Group D in Euro 2024, Kylian Mbappe continued to share his thoughts on the political turmoil in France and urged French voters to make a difference and shape the country's future.
“This is a never-seen-before event. And that is why I want to talk to the whole of the French people, but also the youth. We are a generation that can make a difference. We see the extremes are knocking on the door of power and we have the opportunity to shape our country’s future,” Kylian Mbappe stressed. (via The Guardian)
The Frenchman added that the situation is dire in his home country and everyone in the team understands and cares about the state of turmoil.
“Everyone cares. Everyone understands the situation in France. There are some people who feel more comfortable saying something and speaking out. We want to protect all of our players and obviously protect the French team. But we have thought about this and I think we will be doing something. So keep your eyes peeled," he added.
Kylian Mbappe stressed that the political situation in France is "more important" than their upcoming Euro 2024 opening match and French votes need to act on it.
“People say don’t mix football and politics but here we are talking about a situation that’s really important, more important than the game. The situation in our country is dire and we need to act," he continued.
French coach Didier Deschamps supported his players' right to their political views, adding that they are also French citizens apart from being players. They are not unaffected by the situation in the country.
"It’s their free will. We must recognise they are great players but also French citizens and they are not immune or indifferent to the situation in the country," Deschamps said.