Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has confirmed he will not be playing at this summer’s Olympic Games following his transfer to the Spanish giant.
Madrid announced the signature of Mbappe on a free transfer following the end of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain.
Mbappe before his move to Real Madrid admitted his desire to head to the tournament, which runs after the European Championships and would overlap into pre-season.
French president Emmanuel Macron went as far as speaking with Mbappe hoping to convince the forward to make the right choice.
Madrid wrote to the French authorities to confirm that stars such as Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni would be blocked from competing, and have stood firm on that stance to deny Mbappe’s Olympic dream.
“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.”
The Olympics are not a FIFA-recognised tournament, however, and so clubs are under no obligation to release their players.
Olympic teams are made up primarily of players under 23 years old but managers are permitted to take up to three ‘overage’ players.
Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette and Crystal Palace’s Jean-Phillipe Mateta are the only two players over 23 included in the preliminary squad, with a third spot still open.
