European Football Championship: Mbappé takes off his mask: disappointment after European Championship exit

Kylian Mbappé had had enough of his mask. “I couldn’t see well with it on. I spoke to the doctor and he told me to make the decision like a man. I don’t regret it,” said the future Real Madrid star striker, who had to wear a protective mask for the rest of the tournament after breaking his nose in France’s opening match against Austria (1-0).

In the semi-final against Spain (1:2), the captain of the Équipe Tricolore took off the prop and seemed much more relaxed. But Mbappé could not prevent the defeat against the three-time European champions. “I had the ambition to become European champion. I had the ambition to play well in the European Championship. I achieved neither one nor the other,” said the 25-year-old after the last performance in Munich. “That is a disappointment.”

Deschamps defends Mbappé and Griezmann

Mbappé is now on holiday. “I’m going to have a good rest. I think I need that to be fresh for the opening match and to prepare well,” said the world-class striker, who is leaving Paris Saint-Germain.

France coach Didier Deschamps did not want to blame his superstar or Antoine Griezmann, who was weak at the European Championships, for the knockout. “I will not blame either of them,” said the national coach. “Kylian may have had some problems. But we are not looking for excuses.”

Mbappé had been given the go-ahead by doctors to play without a mask. The mask had previously affected him, and not only because of his field of vision, said Deschamps. “He felt more comfortable without a mask.”

Thanks to Giroud

Deschamps said goodbye to 37-year-old striker Olivier Giroud with words of praise. “He is a leader, even when he is not on the pitch,” said the national coach about France’s record goalscorer, who is now making way for younger players. “Of course it would have been nicer to end his career on Sunday: Bravo and thank you for everything he has achieved.”