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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Griezmann announced retirement in September</li><li>Mbappe refuted claims he was responsible</li><li>Opened up on his relationship with Griezmann</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'It's complicated' - Kylian Mbappe opens up on relationship with Antoine Griezmann after Real Madrid star accused of being reason for former France forward's international retirement

<p>Griezmann <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/antoine-griezmann-calls-time-france-career-137-cap-world-cup-winner-announces-international-retirement/bltc39d7b2797779e7a" target="_blank">announced his retirement from the French national team</a> in September 2024, calling it time after making 137 appearances for his country and scoring 44 goals. The 33-year-old forward was an integral part of the France side that lifted the World Cup for the second time in their history in 2018.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>At the time of his retirement, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/carried-this-team-years-france-kylian-mbappe-heartfelt-message-antoine-griezmann-retires/blt8e7c1647cda6c685#cse8b9e0fcc0c92c64" target="_blank">Mbappe shared a heartfelt note for his compatriot </a>as he hailed Griezmann as one of the greats of the modern era of French football. The Real Madrid star, however, was accused of being responsible for the experienced attacker quitting the national team. In a chat with <a href="https://www.leparisien.fr/sports/football/kylian-mbappe-et-lequipe-de-france-griezmann-a-decide-darreter-moi-je-vais-essayer-de-continuer-17-03-2025-4MX5Z4AYZNFCBBMJQZXLNNI6UA.php" target="_blank"><em>Le Parisien</em></a>, the 26-year-old refuted those rumours as he opened up on his relationship with the Atletico star. </p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>In the interview, Mbappe said: "We often talk with Antoine. I love his son, he's a football fanatic, he reminds me a bit of myself when I was little. I love him, Amaro. But after that, it's true that it's complicated because we're in a city where our two teams are real rivals.</p><p>"But I can assure you, we have a very good relationship with Antoine. He's already invited me to his house quite a few times for a barbecue. It hasn't happened yet, but we're sure to get there. We live next door, in the same building."</p><p>The Madrid forward further claimed that he was aware of Griezmann's retirement decision before he made the formal announcement. He added: "Not only did I know he was going to quit, but he also explained why. But it's always the same, it's his decision, only he can explain to you why he made that choice." </p>

WHAT KYLIAN MBAPPE SAID

<p>After missing the last two international breaks, Mbappe is back in Didier Deschamps' squad and will lead Les Bleus in their two-legged Nations League quarter-final clash against Croatia on March 20 and 23. </p>

WHAT NEXT FOR KYLIAN MBAPPE?

'It's complicated' - Kylian Mbappe opens up on relationship with Antoine Griezmann after Real Madrid star accused of being reason for former France forward's international retirement | Goal.com

France and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has refuted rumours that he was responsible for Antoine Griezmann&apos;s retirement from international football. 

&apos;It&apos;s complicated&apos; - Kylian Mbappe opens up on relationship with Antoine Griezmann after Real Madrid star accused of being reason for former France forward&apos;s international retirement