Mbappé regrets not giving Deschamps a better World Cup send-off

Kylian Mbappé has paid tribute to departing France coach Didier Deschamps, lamenting that the team failed to give him a more fitting farewell. Deschamps is set to manage his final game for Les Bleus against England for third place in the World Cup.

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I feel fortunate to have been able to be by the side of one of the greatest legends in our country and I only keep excellent memories of everything we have lived and achieved together.

"We should have given you a better ending, but we failed," Mbappé wrote in a heartfelt message dedicated to Deschamps. The French captain acknowledged the difficulty in expressing Deschamps's 14-year contribution, calling him a fundamental figure in the team's revival. Mbappé suggested that while Deschamps's greatness may not always have been fully appreciated, history will recognize his impact.

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Today is your last dance. To you, who have given us so much. We should have given you a better ending, but we failed.

Mbappé, who debuted under Deschamps in 2017, has been a cornerstone of the national team, accumulating 105 caps and 64 goals, including the 2018 World Cup victory. He wished Deschamps well in his future endeavors, thanking him for his immense contributions to the national team.

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Expressing in words what you have contributed over 14 years is very difficult, as you have been a fundamental piece in the rebirth of this team. People have not always known how to appreciate your greatness, but time and history will take care of it...

Deschamps took the helm in 2012 during a period of poor results for the French team. He successfully turned their fortunes around, leading them to win the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 Nations League. France also reached the finals of the 2016 European Championship and the 2022 World Cup under his guidance. Zinedine Zidane is widely expected to be his successor, though an official confirmation is pending.

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I wish you the best in your new adventure and, again, thank you for everything you have given to this jersey that means so much to us.