Kylian Mbappe says he is yet to discuss France role with new manager Zinedine Zidane

Kylian Mbappe says he has not yet had a serious discussion with new France manager Zinedine Zidane, despite the pair living in Madrid and meeting several times.

The Real Madrid forward reported for international duty at Clairefontaine on Monday alongside the rest of the France squad, marking the beginning of a new era after Zidane succeeded Didier Deschamps.

Mbappe returns to the national team having made history this summer by becoming the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer. He is expected to be one of the central figures in Zidane’s plans as France begin a new chapter under their former captain.

In an interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI), published on Tuesday morning and reported by French outlet Foot Mercato, Mbappe paid tribute to Deschamps and the work he did during his time in charge.

“First of all, we must acknowledge what Didier Deschamps achieved with the France team. It is a great accomplishment,” Mbappe said.

“He made history and restored the France team to its rightful place. We will always be grateful to him.”

Mbappe also recognised that the change in manager would bring a period of adjustment for the team.

“Now a new chapter begins with a new manager, and we will see how things develop,” he added. “New beginnings are always different, and we have to adapt and regain our balance.

“We will compete strongly and start winning again, because that is what people expect from us.”

Although Mbappe and Zidane are both based in the Spanish capital, and have crossed paths on several occasions in recent months, the France forward said they had not discussed his international role since Zidane’s appointment.

“Have I spoken to Zidane since he was appointed manager? No,” Mbappe said. “I will wait until I see him at Clairefontaine. I do not think there is a better place to meet him than on the training ground.”

He added: “We are in the same city, and we have met several times. We already knew each other, but I am really looking forward to arriving at Clairefontaine to understand what he expects from us as a team and what he expects from me as a player.

“We will see how things develop.”

France now enter a new phase with Mbappe among the most prominent figures in Zidane’s project. His first conversations with the new manager are likely to help clarify the forward’s responsibilities, as well as the ideas and methods Zidane wants to introduce to the national side.