Tchouaméni’s proud to lead France against Israel in Nations League in Mbappé’s absence
Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni pushes Villarreal's Thierno Barry during the La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Villareal in Madrid, Spain, on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Bernat Armangue]
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni says he will captain France “with a lot of pride” in its Nations League game against Israel in the absence of Kylian Mbappé. The 24-year-old Tchouaméni wants to be a leader but is not interested in turning the captaincy into a popularity contest. Tchouaméni has played 36 matches with France and will bring his experience to a team lacking its biggest star. Mbappé is France’s usual captain. He is nursing a minor thigh injury in Madrid. France is also without Antoine Griezmann after he retired from international soccer. Together they helped France win the 2018 World Cup title and were among coach Didier Deschamps’ most influential players in recent years.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, centre, laughs during a training session in Madrid, Spain, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. Real Madrid will play VfB Stuttgart Tuesday in a Champions League soccer match. From left to right, Vinicius Junior, Aurelien Tchouameni, Kylian Mbappe, Endrick and Antonio Rudiger. (AP Photo/Paul White)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Paul White