Kylian Mbappe rules out Olympic Games appearance

Mbappe was initially left out of coach Thierry Henry's 25-man preliminary squad earlier this month, but there were hopes he would be able to convince Real of his wish to feature in his home Games.

However, speaking ahead of Les Blues' opening UEFA Euro 2024 encounter against Austria, the 25-year-old stated he would respect his club's stance on featuring in the showpiece outside of the FIFA international calendar.

"My club's position was very clear, so from that moment on, I think I [knew] I won't be taking part in the Games," Mbappe told reporters.

"That's just the way it is, 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'm going to wish this French team all the best. I'm going to watch every game. I hope they'll win the gold medal."

Mbappe recently swapped Paris Saint-Germain for the 15-time European club champions on a free transfer after spending the past seven years with the 12-time French Ligue 1 champions.

He is set to join Carlo Ancelotti's charges after the current Euros in Germany, where the 2022 FIFA World Cup runners-up are among the favourites to win the tournament.

France is pitted alongside United States, Guinea and New Zealand at the Olympics, which will kick off on 24 July.

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