France reached the semi-finals of Euro 2024 but were beaten 2-1 by eventual winners Spain. Despite being one of the final four countries at the tournament, the performances of Didier Deschamps’ side drew criticism. Captain Kylian Mbappe says the team have not addressed this ahead of starting their Nations League campaign against Italy. “What people think is the least of my worries,” he said.

France captain Kylian Mbappe says outside noise about the country’s performances does not affect him when he represents Les Bleus.

Their first match since a disappointing Euro 2024 semi-final exit against Spain will see Didier Deschamps’ team take on Italy in the Nations League in Paris.

The French side were criticised for some uninspiring showings in Germany, with just one goal being scored from open play.

They stuttered through the group stages with draws against the Netherlands and Poland, while an own goal saw them beat Austria. That was before another own goal got them past Belgium in the last-16 and a successful penalty shoot-out against Portugal took them into the semi-finals.With players currently in their first international meet-up since the tournament, Mbappe was asked if the squad has discussed the negative comments from fans and pundits in the wake of their underwhelming summer.” I don’t know what the lads think because we haven’t talked about it. I’ve reached a stage in my life and my career where I don’t notice it anymore,” Mbappe said.

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“I come, I play, I try to do my best, I try to help the team. What people think is the least of my worries. “We always try to give our best. We’ve always tried to give the best possible version of the French team out of respect for the admiration we have for this shirt and this logo. You know, in football you can’t please everyone. “What’s important now is what we do well and what we don’t do badly, and that we don’t live on a planet apart. As for the rest, we can leave the discussions because there will always be some. From now on, we’ll just concentrate on playing and getting better every day,” he said.

Kylian Mbappe joined Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain

‘Special’ to return to Parc des PrincesMbappe has started a fresh chapter of his career since Euro 2024, after joining Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain.However, he will be back in his old club’s stadium for the Italy match, with the fixture being held at Parc des Princes.”It’s special, I spent a lot of years here. I have so many memories, it’s the place I know best from my career at the moment,” he said.“I have nothing but great memories here, with my family, with all the team-mates I’ve had, with the club, it’s great. I don’t expect much, I don’t care. The most important thing is to win, to really get the new season off to a good start, to be able to start off on a positive note.”

“I’m feeling very good, I’m very happy. I’m playing football, I’m playing every game, I’m still a starter – really great. “As I said before, I’m in a place where I’ve always wanted to be, and there’s nothing but good things and positives in my life right now. I want to continue like this and build on it.”