Kylian Mbappe confirms final decision to play in Olympics after transfer from Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappe has confirmed that Real Madrid has banned him from participating in the Olympics this summer.

Mbappe had previously acknowledged his desire to attend the tournament, which runs after the European Championships and will go into pre-season, and French president Emmanuel Macron even got involved in talks to try to secure Mbappe’s involvement.

The Olympics is not a tournament recognized by FIFA, so clubs are not obliged to release their players. Madrid wrote to the French authorities to ensure that stars such as Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni will be banned from competing, and they stand firm in denying Mbappe’s Olympic dream.

“The position of my team was very clear, so from then on, I think [knew] I will not be part of the games,” Mbappe told the media.

“That’s right, and I understand that too. I’m joining a new team in September, so it’s not the best way to start an adventure.

“I will wish this French team all the best. I will watch every game. I hope they win the gold medal.”

Indeed, Mbappe was left out of the temporary squad introduced by manager Thierry Henry.

Olympic teams are mainly made up of players under the age of 23 but managers are allowed to take players ‘over the age’ of three.

Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette and Crystal Palace’s Jean-Phillipe Mateta are the only two players over the age of 23 included in the first team, with third place still open to Henry.

The team also includes big names like Michael Olise who runs for Crystal Palace, Bayern Munich striker Mathys Tel, Lille defender Leny Yoro and midfielders Khephren Thuram, Lesley Ugochukwu and Warren Zaire-Emery from Nice, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain respectively.

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