KYLIAN MBAPPE has paid tribute to outgoing France boss Didier Deschamps, expressing his sorrow at how the team have “failed” him this summer.
Deschamps ends his 14-year reign as Les Bleus chief on Saturday following his final game against in the World Cup third-place play-off.
France captain Kylian Mbappe has released a heartwarming farewell message to French coach Didier Deschamps Credit: ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock
Deschamps will leave the French national squad after 14 years in charge Credit: ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock
Mbappe has won all 105 of his caps playing under Deschamps and won the 2018 World Cup with the 57-year-old.
The superstar was desperately hoping to win the competition for a second time under the ex-Marseille chief but lost out to in the semi-finals.
Mbappe, 27, wrote on Instagram : “Today is your last dance.
“You who gave us so much. We should have offered you a better ending, but we failed.
“Putting words to what you brought over 14 years is very difficult, so major an actor were you in the revival of this team.
“People haven’t always known how to appreciate your greatness, but time and history will take care of that…
“Thank you for giving me the chance and opportunity to represent my country on the biggest stage for so many years.
“I feel privileged to have been able to stand alongside one of the greatest legends of our country, and I hold only excellent memories of everything we lived through and accomplished together.
Deschamps gave Kylian Mbappe his senior international debut for the France national football team when Mbappé was just 18 years old in 2017 Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters
“I wish you the best in your new adventure, and thank you again for everything you brought to this jersey that means so much to us.”
Deschamps captained to the World Cup title in 1998 and then followed it up as boss 20 years later.
His Les Bleus lost the 2022 final to on penalties in Qatar.
Prior to Saturday’s bronze-medal clash with England in Miami, he had won 120 of his 184 games in charge.
Deschamps said on Friday: “In my head I know it’s the last match. I don’t want anybody to cry.
“I know that the French national team will be missed but I had the privilege for 15 years to wear this jersey and to go through some amazing moments and also some more difficult moments.
“The end is near but life goes on. I am a positive person and I know it will be great too.
“The French national team is the most beautiful thing that happened to me.
“It took 25 years in my life, that’s an amazing thing. I have some unforgettable memories. But the most important thing is what lies ahead.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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