"It limits my vision" - Kylian Mbappe explains why playing with a mask at Euro 2024 was an 'absolute horror'
France superstar Kylian Mbappe has explained why playing with a mask at the ongoing EURO 2024 has been a hassle. The 2018 World Cup winner notably broke his nose during their opening match against Austria, where he collided with Kevin Danso.
It saw him benched for their second group game as Les Bleus endured a goalless draw with the Netherlands. He did play the full 90 minutes in their 1-1 draw against Poland, though, and he wore a mask, which he also used in training.
In a press conference, the forward revealed just how difficult it was to play with a mask on, saying (via GFFN):
“Playing with a mask, it’s an absolute horror. I changed it because each time, there was something wrong [with the mask]. It limits my vision. The sweat gets blocked. It felt like I was in 3D and that I was a VIP guest at the Euros.
“When you break your nose and you don’t have an operation, you become a target. I knew what I was getting into. I can receive hits; I am ready to give everything for this shirt."
The forward will be hoping he can keep France going in EURO 2024 as he leads them against Belgium in their Round of 16 clash on Monday, July 1.
Belgium FA issues apology to France and Kylian Mbappe after Amadou Onana chants ahead of EURO 2024 clash
The Belgium FA has issued an apology to France and Kylian Mbappe after Amadou Onana chanted about tackling the forward on the shin. The Everton midfielder sang alongside comedian Pablo Andres, and the video was posted on social media.
However, after the resulting backlash, the Belgium FA deleted the video before releasing a statement through press officer Stefan Van Loock. It read (via GOAL):
"It was not the intention to attack anyone. We have been working with comedian Pablo Andres for a long time, this video also had to be funny. But we misjudged that and also took the video offline. We would like to apologise to anyone we may have offended with this. For us, this is the end of the matter."
Kylian Mbappe will be a key factor in how far France can go in EURO 2024. However, Belgium and Amadou Onana will be looking for ways to stop the superstar, who helped Les Bleus win the World Cup in 2018.