Mbappe s talk was criticized: I accept that many athletes have been criticized by public opinion

Mbappe accepted an exclusive interview with the team newspaper. Speaking of the criticism he suffered, Mbappe said he could accept it. Many athletes have been criticized by public opinion for being indecent.

Q: There is also no change in attention, the never-ending hustle and bustle, and the possible contrast between people’s perception of you and reality.

Mbappe: I am neither the first nor the last. It's just that on me, this is magnified. This is football, television, reputation. Sometimes it’s fair, sometimes it’s unfair, but it’s something we can’t change. I often say that people don’t know me, but at the same time, we can’t know everyone… It’s normal. Many of the statements about me are far from reality.

Q: For example, someone accused you of asking for the ignition of the main Olympic torch?

Mbappe: I really don't understand this. Even if I went to the Olympics - which was what I wanted - I never thought about passing the flame. We should leave this honor to those who have a connection with the Olympics, and I was just about to start this story at that time. You didn’t start your Olympic story by lighting the main torch, which makes no sense, especially in France, where there are so many athletes who have left their mark on history. How can you justify this? "No, no, get out of the way, you brought back hundreds of gold medals, but Killian came with a smile." I don't have the qualification. I think I'm very sober about this.

Q: The problem is that such disputes will affect your calm mind.

Mbappe: I accept it. I can't change the world. Sometimes people see you much worse than you actually are, and sometimes they are better. But the truth will always be revealed, even if it may take a long time. Some people have been waiting for recognition throughout their careers, or waiting for people to really understand who they are. You must learn to coexist with it. If you take the time to fight it, you will consume a lot of energy and you will never win. It may erode you from the inside without you fighting. Before me, many athletes paid the price. I try to learn from them.

Q: Who are you?

Mbappe: Almost everyone...and there are people, you may be their fans, but it's hard to get inspiration from them. Zidane, for example, has a unique story. You can only look up to its greatness, no one can copy it, and have that image. It was a special era, a special period, a special player! The situation is completely different. But when we look at the athletes in France, we are lucky to have some great athletes, all of whom are criticized by public opinion at some point. I think this is a necessary stage and I have no objection to it.