Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid launch staunch defence of Zinedine Zidane after Noel Le Graet comments

Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid have launched a staunch defence of Zinedine Zidane after disparaging comments by Noel Le Graet, president of the French Football Federation.

Le Graet had been speaking to announce the renewal of Didier Deschamps as France boss, but it was his response to the rumours around Zidane – who had been widely linked with the job – that caused the most commotion.

Given Zidane is not to be given the France reins, Le Graet was asked what he thought about Zidane instead becoming manager of Brazil, as has been mooted in some circles.

“I don’t care, he can go wherever he wants,” Le Graet told RMC Sport.

“I know very well that Zidane was always on the radar. He had a lot of supporters; some were waiting for Deschamps’s departure…but who can make serious reproaches to Deschamps? Nobody.

“He [Zidane] does what he wants; it’s none of my business. I’ve never met him, we’ve never considered parting with Didier.

“He can go where he wants, to a club. If Zidane tried to contact me? Certainly not, I wouldn’t even pick up the phone.”

And it’s those comments that have been met with a widespread backlash, given Zidane’s legendary status in France.

First Kylian Mbappe, writing on Twitter, said: “Zidane is France, we don’t disrespect the legend like that.”

Next, Real Madrid – where Zidane played and managed with such distinction, released a statement which read: “Real Madrid C. F. laments the unfortunate comments made by the president of the French Football Federation, Nöel Le Graët, regarding Zinedine Zidane, one of the world’s biggest sporting legends.

“These remarks show a lack of respect for one of the most admired figures by football fans around the world and our club is awaiting an immediate correction.

“Zinedine Zidane, World and European champion representing his country, amongst many other honours, he embodies the values of the sport and has proven this throughout his professional career as a player and as a coach.

“The statements by the president of the French Football Federation are inappropriate for someone holding such representation and are in themselves unsuitable, like those he also made about our captain Karim Benzema, current Ballon d’Or, Nations League champion with France in 2021 and winner of 5 Champions Leagues, amongst many other honours.”

Los Blancos didn’t have to wait long for that “immediate correction”, with Le Graet releasing an apology on Monday morning.

He said in a statement to the AFP: “I would like to apologise for these remarks which absolutely do not reflect my thoughts, nor my consideration for the player he was and the coach he has become.

“I admit that I made awkward remarks which created a misunderstanding.

“Zinedine Zidane knows the immense esteem I have for him, like all French people.”