Exhausted Kylian Mbappe asked to go off against Portugal – Deschamps

Coach Didier Deschamps stated that French striker and captain Kylian Mbappe requested to be replaced during extra time of the Euro 2024 quarterfinal victory against Portugal due to exhaustion.

Despite scoring one goal from the penalty spot against Poland, the usually prolific Mbappe has not been at his best during the Euros. He has also shown uneasy wearing a mask.

He had broken his nose in the opening game.

He was on the ground and took off his mask for a short while on Friday night during the quarterfinals match against Portugal.

This came after he took a heavy blow to the side of his face from the ball, and then he asked to be pulled off, missing the shootout.

“Yes, he’s always very honest with me and the team, when he feels he can’t accelerate…

“He’s not at his top form … he felt very tired indeed,” Deschamps said, referring to muscle fatigue and the nose issue.

“I saw him struggling during the first period of extra time. It was pointless (to leave him on).

“Kylian has always been honest with me and the group, so it was only natural to bring in some new blood.”

In his absence, Mbappe’s teammates did him proud, scoring a perfect five penalties to beat Portugal 5-3.