Ousmane Dembele has played down suggestions of a falling-out with France team-mate Kylian Mbappe, saying the pair have spoken and that “there is no problem” between them.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward was responding to questions about comments made during the Ballon d’Or debate, in which Mbappe portrayed himself as the player who had been chosen and reached the top directly, contrasting that with Dembele’s more gradual rise through hard work.
Dembele previously replied by saying: “I was always at the back of the line and worked hard. Throughout my career, I never said a word; I just worked a lot. As I said, I was never the chosen player, but I worked hard. Last year, I was rewarded for a great season with Paris Saint-Germain. As for this year, we will see what happens, without pressure and calmly.”
At his news conference before France’s Nations League meeting with Italy, however, the 29-year-old was keen to move on from the issue.
“I will not comment on all these stories,” Dembele said, according to Foot Mercato. “These are small spats on social media. At 29, I have no desire to concern myself with these things. I am focused on something else: the pitch.”
A journalist later returned to the subject in a lighter way, congratulating Dembele on being the “chosen player” for the news conference before asking whether he was still friends with Mbappe.
Dembele, who has won 69 caps for France and scored 13 goals, gave a brief answer.
“As I said, all these stories relating to social media… yes, we have spoken, and we sit next to each other at the dining table. There is no problem,” he said.
He was also asked whether France were a different side when Mbappe was absent.
“There is no difference,” Dembele replied. “Mbappe is an important player for the national team. He has proved that throughout these years.”
“Mbappe has scored a huge number of goals and he is the captain of the national team. When he is there, we are very happy. After that, there are other players who can emerge and shine. It is a group. All 23 players are important. That is the most important thing.”
Dembele’s comments came as France prepared for their upcoming Nations League fixture against Italy, with the forward seeking to draw a line under the discussion surrounding his relationship with Mbappe.
